NEET2026ChemistryClassification of Elements and Periodicity in PropertiesActual
The correct order of increasing metallic character of Na, Be, P, Mg and Si is :
Options
- AP < Si < Be < Mg < Na
- BP < Si < Na < Mg < Be
- CP < Mg < Be < Si < Na
- DBe < Si < P < Mg < Na
Correct answer
A. P < Si < Be < Mg < Na
Step-by-step solution
Metallic character is the tendency of an element to lose electrons. It decreases across a period from left to right and increases down a group. The elements Na , Mg , Si , and P belong to the third period. Across a period, metallic character decreases, so the order is Na > Mg > Si > P . The elements Be and Mg belong to Group 2. Down a group, metallic character increases, so Mg > Be . Comparing Be (a metal) with Si (a metalloid) and P (a non-metal), Be is more metallic than both Si and P . Combining these observatio