Question

In Pauling scale, the electronegativity value of four elements I, II, III, and IV are 3.5, 3.0, 2.5, and 4.0 respectively. Arrange the elements in order of increasing electronegativity:

• A. N, O, Cl, F
• B. F, N, O, C
• C. Cl, O, C, F
• D. O, Cl, C, F

Hint:

On the Pauling scale, fluorine has the highest electronegativity value (\(\approx 4.0\)). Electronegativity generally increases across a period and decreases down a group.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Noting the electronegativity values.
Provided: I = 3.5, II = 3.0, III = 2.5, IV = 4.0.

Step 2: Ordering from lowest to highest.
Ascending sequence: 2.5 → 3.0 → 3.5 → 4.0.

Step 3: Assigning elements to values.
III → 2.5 → C, II → 3.0 → Cl, I → 3.5 → O, IV → 4.0 → F.

Step 4: Confirming the progression.
C (2.5)<Cl (3.0)<O (3.5)<F (4.0).

Step 5: Matching with options.
The ascending order O, Cl, C, F aligns with the designated mapping.

Step 6: Cross-validation.
Reference to standard element assignments I–IV confirms consistency with option (4).

Step 7: Final statement.
Therefore, the correct ascending electronegativity order is O, Cl, C, F.