Question
Consider the elements N , P , O , S , Cl and F. The number of valence electrons present in the elements with most and least metallic character from the above list is respectively.
JEE Main
Chemistry
Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties
2026
JEE Main 2026 (28 January Shift 2)
JEE Main Chemistry Question (2026) — Solution
Options
- A. 7 and 5
- B. 5 and 7
- C. 5 and 6
- D. 6 and 7
Answer
B. 5 and 7
Step-by-step solution
Valence electrons: N(5), P(5), O(6), S(6), Cl(7), F(7). Metallic character order in the list: P > S > N > Cl > O > F. Most metallic character: P with 5 valence electrons. Least metallic character (most nonmetallic): F with 7 valence electrons. F is the most electronegative and has the smallest atomic size, making it most nonmetallic.
Related: Chemistry — Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties · All PYQ Banks