Question:medium

Considering the elements B, Al, Mg, and K, the correct order of their metallic character is:

Updated On: Jan 21, 2026
  • B > Al > Mg > K
  • Al > Mg > B > K
  • Mg > Al > K > B
  • K > Mg > Al > B
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

The question requires us to determine the order of metallic character among the elements: Boron (B), Aluminum (Al), Magnesium (Mg), and Potassium (K). The metallic character of an element is determined by its ability to lose electrons and form positive ions (cations). It generally increases as you move down a group in the periodic table and decreases as you move across a period from left to right. 

Let's analyze each element:

  • Potassium (K): Located in Group 1, Period 4 of the periodic table. It has a high metallic character as elements in Group 1 are alkali metals known for readily losing their single valence electron.
  • Magnesium (Mg): Found in Group 2, Period 3. It is also metallic, but less so than potassium because it has two valence electrons which it loses to form a stable ion.
  • Aluminum (Al): Situated in Group 13, Period 3. It is metal but less metallic than magnesium because it requires more energy to lose its three valence electrons compared to Mg's two.
  • Boron (B): In Group 13, Period 2. It possesses a significantly lower metallic character than the other elements listed as it tends to form covalent bonds rather than ionic ones.

Given these observations, the correct order of metallic character among the elements is:

  • Potassium (K) > Magnesium (Mg) > Aluminum (Al) > Boron (B)

This corresponds to the correct option:

  • K > Mg > Al > B

Hence, the correct answer is K > Mg > Al > B.

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