How does metallic character change down a column?

1 Answer
Mar 29, 2018

The metallic character increases going down a column, or family.

Explanation:

As the atom becomes larger going down the column or family the electrons are further from the nucleus. As the electrons become further from the nucleus the electrons are not held as tightly.

Metallic character is based on the positive nature of the atoms. Metals tend to lose electrons. ( Non metals tend to gain electrons)
The larger the atom the easier it is to lose electrons which increases the metallic nature of the atoms.

As the atoms in a column increase in size they also increase in metallic character.