Question

Arrange the following elements in increasing order of electronegativity:
N, O, F, C, Si
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. Si < C < N < O < F
• B. Si < C < O < N < F
• C. O < F < N < C < Si
• D. F < O < N < C < Si

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Electronegativity typically rises from left to right across a period and falls from top to bottom down a group.

1. Silicon (Si): Located in Group 14 and positioned below carbon, silicon exhibits the lowest electronegativity among the listed elements due to its position further down the group.

2. Carbon (C): Carbon, also in Group 14, possesses a greater electronegativity than silicon because it is situated higher within the same group.

3. Nitrogen (N): Nitrogen, in Group 15, demonstrates a higher electronegativity than carbon, attributed to its placement to the right of carbon within the same period.

4. Oxygen (O): Oxygen, in Group 16, has a higher electronegativity than nitrogen, as it is located further to the right in the same period.

5. Fluorine (F): Fluorine, positioned in Group 17, exhibits the highest electronegativity among the given elements, owing to its furthest rightward position within the period.

Consequently, the order of increasing electronegativity is:

Si < C < N < O < F

Conclusion:

The established order is Si < C < N < O < F