The order of decreasing atomic size is:

The electronic configuration of an element $X$ is $2, 8, 8, 2$. To which $(a)$ period and $(b)$ group of the modern periodic table does $X$ belong? State its valency. Justify your answer in each case.

$(a)$ How does electropositivity of elements get affected as we move :
$(i)$ down a group
$(ii)$ across a period?
$(b)$ Which atomic property increases both as we move across a period or down a group?

What is meant by 'group' in the modern periodic table? How do the following change on moving from top to bottom in a group?
$(i)$ Number of valence electrons
$(ii)$ Number of occupied shells
$(iii)$ Size of atoms
$(iv)$ Metallic character of elements
$(v)$ Effective nuclear charge experienced by valence electrons.

Which of the following elements will form an acidic oxide?

Compare the radii of two species $X$ and $Y$. Give reasons for your answer.
$(a)$ $X$ has $12$ protons and $12$ electrons.
$(b)$ $Y$ has $12$ protons and $10$ electrons.