A part of the modern periodic table is given below. Which of the following elements in this period is the most electropositive? Why?
| Li | Be | B | C | N | O | F | Ne |
Solution
The given part of the modern periodic table is period 2.
The electropositive character decreases as the atomic number increases while moving left to right in a period.
In Lithium the valence electron is attracted by 3 protons of its nucleus while in other elements of this period the number of protons attracting the valence electrons is higher than 3.
Thus, it is easier to remove a valence electron from other elements than Lithium. Electro positivity refers to the tendency of an element to lose electrons and form positive ions.
Hence, Lithium is the most electropositive.