Multiple choice

Atomic numbers of four elements A, B, C, D and E are 14, 15, 17, 18 and 19, respectively. Which of these is highly non-metallic?

  1. A

  2. B

  3. C

  4. D

  5. E
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Metals have 1, 2 or 3 electrons in their outermost orbit and non-metals have 5, 6 or 7 electrons in their outermost orbit. The electronic configurations of A, B, C, D and E are 2, 8, 4; 2, 8, 5; 2, 8, 7; 2, 8, 8; and 2, 8, 8, 1, respectively. As the element C has 7 electrons in its outermost orbit as compared to 5 electrons in element B, so it is more non-metallic. Hence, option (3) is the correct answer.

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