Arrange the following elements in the increasing order of metallic character:
`Si, Be, Mg, Na, P`.

Options

A. `Na gt Mg gt Be gt Si gt P`
B. `Pgt Si gt Begt Mggt Na`
C. `Plt Si lt Be lt Mg lt Na`
D. `Na lt Mg lt Be lt Si lt P`

Explanation

To arrange the elements Si (Silicon), Be (Beryllium), Mg (Magnesium), Na (Sodium), and P (Phosphorus) in increasing order of metallic character, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand Metallic Character
Metallic character refers to the tendency of an element to lose electrons and form positive ions (cations). Elements with high metallic character are usually good conductors of heat and electricity, have high melting points, and are malleable and ductile.

### Step 2: Periodic Trends
- **Across a Period:** As we move from left to right across a period in the periodic table, the metallic character decreases. This is because the elements become more electronegative and have a stronger hold on their electrons.
- **Down a Group:** As we move down a group, the metallic character increases. This is due to the increase in atomic size, which makes it easier for the outer electrons to be lost.

### Step 3: Position of Elements
1. **Sodium (Na)**: Located in Group 1 (alkali metals), it has the highest metallic character among the given elements.
2. **Magnesium (Mg)**: Located in Group 2 (alkaline earth metals), it has a lower metallic character than sodium but higher than beryllium.
3. **Beryllium (Be)**: Also in Group 2, but higher up than magnesium, it has a lower metallic character than magnesium.
4. **Silicon (Si)**: Located in Group 14, it is a metalloid and has a lower metallic character than beryllium.
5. **Phosphorus (P)**: Located in Group 15, it has the lowest metallic character among the given elements.

### Step 4: Arranging in Increasing Order
Based on the above analysis, we can arrange the elements in increasing order of metallic character:
- Phosphorus (P) < Silicon (Si) < Beryllium (Be) < Magnesium (Mg) < Sodium (Na)

### Final Answer
The increasing order of metallic character is:
**P < Si < Be < Mg < Na**