Question

Based on their locations on the periodic table, which best compares the properties of the metalloids arsenic (As) and antimony (Sb)?

Arsenic has a more metallic behavior than antimony because arsenic’s atoms have fewer electron shells.
Arsenic has a more metallic behavior than antimony because arsenic’s atoms have more electron shells.
Arsenic has a more nonmetallic behavior than antimony because arsenic’s atoms have more electron shells.
Arsenic has a more nonmetallic behavior than antimony because arsenic’s atoms have fewer electron shells.

Answer 1

Arsenic has a more nonmetallic behavior than antimony because arsenic’s atoms have fewer electron shells.

Explanation: Moving down a group increases metallic character (larger atoms, more shielding, easier to lose electrons), so Sb (below As) is more metallic; As, being above Sb with fewer electron shells, is relatively more nonmetallic.