Question

20 based on the concept of periodic trends, answer the following questions for these atoms: au, zn, s, si. be able to defend your answers.
a. which element has the highest electronegativity? ______
b. which element has the most metallic character? ______
c. which element has the largest atom? ______

Explanation:

To solve these questions, we analyze the periodic trends for the elements Au (Gold), Zn (Zinc), S (Sulfur), and Si (Silicon):

Part (a): Highest Electronegativity

Electronegativity increases across a period (left to right) and decreases down a group (top to bottom).

• S (Sulfur) is in Group 16, Period 3.
• Si (Silicon) is in Group 14, Period 3.
• Zn (Zinc) is in Group 12, Period 4.
• Au (Gold) is in Group 11, Period 6.

Sulfur (S) is the rightmost and highest (in period) among these, so it has the highest electronegativity.

Part (b): Most Metallic Character

Metallic character decreases across a period (left to right) and increases down a group (top to bottom).

• Au (Gold) is in Period 6 (lowest period, farthest down) and Group 11 (left of Zn, S, Si).
• Zn (Zinc) is in Period 4, Group 12.
• Si (Silicon) is a metalloid (less metallic than metals).
• S (Sulfur) is a nonmetal (least metallic).

Gold (Au) is farthest down and left, so it has the most metallic character.

Part (c): Largest Atom

Atomic size increases down a group (more electron shells) and decreases across a period (nuclear charge pulls electrons closer).

• Au (Gold) is in Period 6 (6 electron shells).
• Zn (Zinc) is in Period 4 (4 electron shells).
• Si (Silicon) is in Period 3 (3 electron shells).
• S (Sulfur) is in Period 3 (3 electron shells).

Gold (Au) has the most electron shells, so it has the largest atom.

Answer:

s:
a. $\boldsymbol{S}$ (Sulfur)
b. $\boldsymbol{Au}$ (Gold)
c. $\boldsymbol{Au}$ (Gold)