Metallic and Nonmetallic Character

What would be the expected trend in the variation of nonmetallic character of elements down a group?

What is the expected trend in the variation of nonmetallic character of elements from left to right in a period?

Increasing order of metallic character will be

Explain the following : (i) Nonmetallic character increases in going from left to right in a period . (ii) The basic nature of oxides of the elements decreases in going from left to right in period.