Video Transcript
In the shown periodic table, which
color represents a metal?
Elements can be described by their
metallic character, which indicates the tendency of atoms in an element to lose
electrons. Metals tend to have a strong
metallic character. They lose electrons easily to form
positive ions. On the other hand, nonmetals have
weak metallic character. They do not lose electrons easily
and tend to form negatively charged ions.
Metallic character tends to
increase on the periodic table as we move down a column. This is because the size of the
atom increases as we go down the periodic table. Since the outer electrons are
further from the nucleus if the atom is larger, they are not as attracted to the
nucleus. If the outer electrons are not as
attracted to the nucleus, it is easier for them to be removed.
Metallic character also increases
right to left across a row in the periodic table. This is because the outer electrons
in atoms of elements on the right-hand side of the periodic table are more strongly
attracted to the nucleus. The more attracted the outer
electrons are to the nucleus, the harder the electrons are to remove. Previously, we stated that metals
tend to have strong metallic character. This means that metals tend to lose
electrons easily.
Looking at the trends we discussed,
we’d expect the metal to be on the left-hand side of the periodic table. The only colored square on the
left-hand side is the blue square. So, the color that represents a
metal is blue.
