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Ch.9 - Periodic Properties of the Elements
Chapter 9, Problem 88

Choose the more metallic element from each pair. a. As or Sn b. Ca or Ga c. I or Bi d. Br or At

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Metallic character generally increases as you move down a group in the periodic table and decreases as you move across a period from left to right.
a. Compare As (Arsenic) and Sn (Tin): Arsenic is in group 15 and period 4, while Tin is in group 14 and period 5. Since Tin is further down the group, it is more metallic.
b. Compare Ca (Calcium) and Ga (Gallium): Calcium is in group 2 and period 4, while Gallium is in group 13 and period 4. Calcium is further to the left in the periodic table, making it more metallic.
c. Compare I (Iodine) and Bi (Bismuth): Iodine is in group 17 and period 5, while Bismuth is in group 15 and period 6. Bismuth is further down the group, making it more metallic.
d. Compare Br (Bromine) and At (Astatine): Bromine is in group 17 and period 4, while Astatine is in group 17 and period 6. Astatine is further down the group, making it more metallic.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Metallic Character

Metallic character refers to the tendency of an element to lose electrons and form positive ions. It increases down a group in the periodic table and decreases across a period from left to right. Elements with higher metallic character are typically good conductors of heat and electricity and have lower ionization energies.
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Periodic Trends

Periodic trends are patterns observed in the properties of elements as you move across or down the periodic table. Key trends include atomic radius, electronegativity, and ionization energy. Understanding these trends helps predict the behavior of elements, including their metallic character, which is essential for comparing elements in the given pairs.
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Element Classification

Elements are classified into metals, nonmetals, and metalloids based on their physical and chemical properties. Metals, typically found on the left side and center of the periodic table, are characterized by their luster, malleability, and conductivity. Recognizing the classification of elements in the pairs is crucial for determining which is more metallic.
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