Question

Electronegativity of the following elements increases in the order:

• A. C, N, Si, P
• B. N, Si, C, P
• C. Si, P, C, N
• D. P, Si, N, C

Hint:

Top-right elements in periodic table have highest electronegativity.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Electronegativity is the tendency of an atom to attract a bonding pair of electrons. It generally increases across a period (left to right) and decreases down a group (top to bottom) in the periodic table.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Identify the positions:
Period 2: C (Group 14), N (Group 15)
Period 3: Si (Group 14), P (Group 15)
: Detailed Explanation:
1. Horizontal Trend: Electronegativity of N > C, and P > Si.
2. Vertical Trend: Electronegativity of C > Si, and N > P.
Combining these:
- Smallest atoms (Period 2) are more electronegative than larger atoms (Period 3).
- Thus, Si and P will have lower values than C and N.
- Comparing within periods: Si < P and C < N.
The combined increasing order is: Si < P < C < N.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct order is Si, P, C, N.