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How does metallic character change across and down the periodic table?
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periodic table
Modern version of the periodic table of the elements. To learn an element's name, atomic number, electron configuration, atomic weight, and more, select one from the table.
In the periodic table, metallic character refers to the tendency of an element to lose electrons and form positive ions, a process facilitated by relatively low ionization energy.1
The trends in metallic character are as follows:
- Across a Period: Metallic character decreases when moving from left to right across a period. As you move across, ionization energy increases, making it more difficult for atoms to lose electrons.1
- Down a Group: Metallic character increases when moving down a group. As you move down, the valence electrons are located farther from the nucleus, which reduces the attractive force of the positive nucleus and makes the electrons easier to remove.1
Consequently, the most chemically active metals are located in the lower left-hand region of the periodic table, while the most chemically active nonmetals are found in the upper right-hand region. Elements with intermediate properties, known as metalloids, are situated along a diagonal line separating the metals and nonmetals.12