Question

Rank the following atoms in order of increasing electronegativity.a. Se, O, S b. P, Na, Cl c. Cl, S, F d. O, P, N

Answer 1

Answer:

a)- Se, S, O

b)- Na, P, Cl

c)- S, Cl, F

d)- P, N, O

Explanation:

We can solve this problem by looking at the Periodic Table. In a group, electronegativity increases from bottom to top; whereas in periods it increases from left to right.

Thus, we order the elements from lower to higher electronegativity as follows:

a. Se, O, S ⇒ order: Se, S, O

Because they are all in the same group. Se is near the bottom, followed by S and O is at the top.

b. P, Na, Cl ⇒ order: Na, P, Cl

They are in the same period. Na is at the left, followed by P and Cl is nearest the right.

c. Cl, S, F ⇒ order: S, Cl, F

P and Cl are in the same period, and P is at the left, so it has the lowest electronegativity. F is in the same group of Cl, but at the top. F has the highest electronegativity.

d. O, P, N ⇒ order: P, N, O

N and P are in the same group, but P is at the bottom so it has the lower electronegativity. N and O are in the same period, but O is at the right, so it is the most electronegative.