The correct increasing order of metallic character is:

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (A)  ​Ge < Ga < Sc < Ca

​The metallic character of elements refers to their ability to lose electrons and form positive ions.

Down a Group:

• As you move down a group in the periodic table, the size of atoms increases.
• The outermost electrons are farther away from the nucleus and experience less attraction from it.
• This makes it easier for the atom to lose electrons, increasing the metallic character.

Across a Period (Left to Right):

• As you move across a period, the atomic size decreases, and the effective nuclear charge (the attraction of the nucleus for electrons) increases.
• This stronger attraction makes it harder for the atoms to lose electrons, reducing the metallic character.

Information booster:

• Metallic Character Increases: Down a group (due to larger atomic size).
• Metallic Character Decreases: Across a period (due to higher nuclear attraction).