Question

rank the following elements in order of decreasing metallic character (from most metallic to least metallic): o, mg, ne, be, ca

Explanation:

Step1: Recall metallic character trend

Metallic character increases down a group and decreases across a period from left to right.

Step2: Analyze each element's position

• Mg (Magnesium): Group 2, Period 3.
• Be (Beryllium): Group 2, Period 2. Since Mg is below Be in the group, Mg has more metallic character than Be.
• O (Oxygen): Group 16, Period 2. Non - metal, much less metallic than metals (Mg and Be).
• Ne (Neon): Group 18, Period 2. Noble gas, non - metal, least metallic.

Answer:

Mg > Be > O > Ne