Correct order of metallic character is :-

Options

A. `P lt Si lt Be lt Mg lt Na`
B. `Si lt P lt Be lt Na lt Mg`
C. `P lt Si lt Mg lt Be lt Na`
D. `Si lt P lt Mg lt Na lt Be`

Explanation

To determine the correct order of metallic character among the given elements (phosphorus, silicon, beryllium, magnesium, sodium), we need to analyze the trends in metallic character based on their positions in the periodic table.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Metallic Character**:
- Metallic character refers to the ability of an element to lose electrons and form cations. Metals tend to have a higher metallic character, while non-metals have a lower metallic character.

2. **Periodic Trends**:
- **Down a Group**: As we move down a group in the periodic table, metallic character increases. This is because the outer electrons are farther from the nucleus and are more easily lost.
- **Across a Period**: As we move from left to right across a period, metallic character decreases. This is due to an increase in effective nuclear charge, which holds the electrons more tightly to the nucleus.

3. **Analyzing the Given Elements**:
- The elements provided are phosphorus (P), silicon (Si), beryllium (Be), magnesium (Mg), and sodium (Na).
- **Position in the Periodic Table**:
- Phosphorus (P) - Group 15, Period 3 (Non-metal)
- Silicon (Si) - Group 14, Period 3 (Metalloid)
- Beryllium (Be) - Group 2, Period 2 (Metal)
- Magnesium (Mg) - Group 2, Period 3 (Metal)
- Sodium (Na) - Group 1, Period 3 (Metal)

4. **Comparing Metallic Character**:
- **Phosphorus** has the least metallic character as it is a non-metal.
- **Silicon** is a metalloid and has a higher metallic character than phosphorus but lower than metals.
- **Beryllium** has a lower metallic character than magnesium and sodium because it is in a higher period (Period 2).
- **Magnesium** has a higher metallic character than beryllium but lower than sodium.
- **Sodium** has the highest metallic character among these elements as it is in Group 1.

5. **Correct Order of Metallic Character**:
- Based on the analysis, the order from least to most metallic character is:
- Phosphorus (P) < Silicon (Si) < Beryllium (Be) < Magnesium (Mg) < Sodium (Na)

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