5.6 – NOTES Activity Level of Elements

G. Activity Level Metals: In general, metals lose electrons. The larger the atom, the more easily the atom lose electrons. Therefore, metals increase in activity as you move down a family.   Nonmetals: In general, nonmetals gain electrons. The smaller the atom, the more easily the atom gain electrons. Therefore, nonmetals increase in activity as you move up a family.

Overall, the most active metal is Fr, while the most active nonmetal is F . The most reactive element is F.

H. Metallic character based on the ability to lose an electron; 1. Down a family - increases down a family Not as noticeable in the beginning of the table, but once reach family right hand side, becomes more obvious C is a nonmetal, Si and Ge are metalloids, while Sn and Pb are metals   2. Across a period decreases from L  R Li  F, lose metallic properties and start to demonstrate nonmetallic properties;