The metallic character of an element is determined by how readily it loses electrons. Elements that lose electrons most easily have the greatest metallic character. Which group has the greatest metallic character?

Group 1 metals or the alkali metals

Explanation:

The group 1 elements are all metals except for hydrogen, the first element in the group. Group 1 metals have one valence electron in their outermost shell. The metallic character increases as one goes down the group.

The metallic character of an element is determined by how readily it loses electrons. Elements that lose electrons most easily have the greatest metallic character. Group 1 metals have the greatest metallic character due to the ease with which they donate or lose their one valence electron. As the atomic radius increases on going down the group, their metallic character increases. Also, due to screening effect of the inner electrons on the valence electron from the positive nuclear charge of the nucleus, metallic property increases on going down the group.

the number of valence electrons for each molecule or ion is shown beneath the structure. remember hydrogen will not have more than two electrons. this hydrogen is part of a covalent bond (sharing two electrons). a double bond here would cause hydrogen to share four electrons with phosphorus.