1-as we move from left to right across the periodic table, what is the general trend? a) atomic radii increase. b) electronegativity decreases. c) nuclear shielding increases. d) metallic character decreases.

Option (D) is the correct answer.

Explanation:

Metallic character is defined as the ability of an atom to lose electrons in order to gain stability.

Generally metals show metallic character and no non-metals tends to show metallic character.

When we move from left to right in a periodic table then metallic character decreases due to increase in number of non-metals.

Electronegativity is defined as the ability of an atom to readily accept one or more number of electrons.

It is known that when we move from left to right in a periodic table then there occurs a decrease in size of the elements.

Hence, electronegativity increases on moving from left to right along a period.

Nuclear shielding also decreases from left to right in a periodic table.

Thus, we can conclude that metallic character decreases as we move from left to right across the periodic table.