Give the symbol of the element that has the (4.7) e. most metallic character in Group 2A (2)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the elements in Group 2A (2) of the periodic table. These are the alkaline earth metals: Beryllium (Be), Magnesium (Mg), Calcium (Ca), Strontium (Sr), Barium (Ba), and Radium (Ra).
2. Understand that metallic character increases as you move down a group in the periodic table. This is because the atomic size increases, and the outer electrons are further from the nucleus, making them easier to lose.
3. Determine which element is at the bottom of Group 2A (2). This element will have the most metallic character.
4. Recall that the most metallic element in a group is the one with the largest atomic radius and the lowest ionization energy.
5. Conclude by identifying the symbol of the element with the most metallic character in Group 2A (2).

Key Concepts

Group 2A Elements

Group 2A, also known as the alkaline earth metals, includes elements like beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium, and radium. These elements are characterized by having two electrons in their outermost shell, which they readily lose to form cations with a +2 charge. Understanding the properties of these elements is crucial for determining their metallic character.

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 due to the increasing atomic size and decreasing ionization energy. In Group 2A, this means that as you move from beryllium to radium, the elements become more metallic in nature.

Periodic Trends

Periodic trends are patterns observed in the periodic table that describe how certain properties of elements change across periods and down groups. For example, metallic character increases down a group, while electronegativity and ionization energy typically decrease. Recognizing these trends is essential for predicting the behavior of elements, including which has the most metallic character in Group 2A.