Chapter 8, Problem 8.71P

(a)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The element that is less metallic between $\text{Sb}$ or $\text{As}$ is to be determined.

Concept introduction:

The metallic character is characterized by the tendency of metals to lose their outermost valence shell electrons. Greater the ease of electron removal, higher will be the electropositivity of the corresponding elements and vice versa.

The metallic character increases from top to bottom in a group because the electrons are less tightly held by the nucleus of the atom and therefore removed easily.

The metallic character decreases from left to right in a period because the electrons are more tightly held with the nucleus of the atom and therefore the removal becomes difficult.

(b)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The element that is less metallic between $\text{Si}$ or $\text{P}$ is to be determined.

Concept introduction:

The metallic character is characterized by the tendency of metals to lose their outermost valence shell electrons. Greater the ease of electron removal, higher will be the electropositivity of the corresponding elements and vice versa.

The metallic character increases from top to bottom in a group because the electrons are less tightly held by the nucleus of the atom and therefore removed easily.

The metallic character decreases from left to right in a period because the electrons are more tightly held with the nucleus of the atom and therefore the removal becomes difficult.

(c)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The element that is less metallic between $\text{Be}$ or $\text{Na}$ is to be determined.

Concept introduction:

The metallic character is characterized by the tendency of metals to lose their outermost valence shell electrons. Greater the ease of electron removal, higher will be the electropositivity of the corresponding elements and vice versa.

The metallic character increases from top to bottom in a group because the electrons are less tightly held by the nucleus of the atom and therefore removed easily.

The metallic character decreases from left to right in a period because the electrons are more tightly held with the nucleus of the atom and therefore the removal becomes difficult.