Chapter 6, Problem 1SAQ

Which set of elements is arranged in order of increasing electro negativity?

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The correct set of elements arranged in increasing order of electronegativity should be determined.

Concept introduction:

Electronegativity is a chemical property of elements, due to which an atom has the tendency to attract shared pair of electrons towards itself. This results in unequal distribution of electrons in bond.

Correct answer: Option (c) $Ge<As<S<O$ is the correct answer.

Explanation of Solution

Reason for correct answer:

In the modern periodic table, elements are arranged in order of their increasing atomic number. For this reason, along a period, more and more electrons are added from left to right. As a result, the distance between the nucleus and valence electrons decreases. This increases the electronegativity.

However, down the groups, more and more electronic shells are added due to increase in atomic numbers. As a result, the distance between the nucleus and valence electrons increases. For this reason, electronegativity decreases down the group.

The electronegativity of germanium is 2.01

The electronegativity of arsenic is 2.18

The electronegativity of sulfur is 2.58

The electronegativity of oxygen is 3.44

The electronegativity values are in increasing order in option (c) only. Hence option (c) is found as the correct option and options (a), (b) and (d) is found to be wrong answers.