Question

Select the correct order of electronegativity:
A. $F > Cl > Br > I$
B. $N > P > As$
C. Both A and B
D. $S > O > Se$

Answer 1

Hint: Electronegativity on a periodic table increases as we move from left to right and from bottom to top. Above elements are members of the common column in the periodic table so check the above order. This way $F$ is most electronegative and thus the columns of halogens are the most electronegative column in the periodic table.

Complete step by step solution:
Options A, B and D are lists of elements of common columns each. Option A is a popular column of halogens in the Periodic table. Now it is one of the characteristics of periodic tables that electronegativity increases as we move from left to right in the periodic table and move bottom to top along a column. This way halogens are the most electronegative column in the periodic table. The last column is the column of inert gases. So if we first go through this column we have $F,Cl,Br,I,At$ from top to bottom. Comparing this order with option A, we can say that it is correct. Option B is also a list of elements of a column in periodic table with nitrogen on top. Its order is also correct and thus we can say option B is also correct. In option D, the list is, no doubt, from one column but it has sulphur at the top of the list and the order mismatches with that of the periodic table. Thus option D is not correct. Therefore, we can say that option C is the correct option.

Note: It is better to remember the characteristics of the Periodic table. Remembering elements is not an easy task but with practice problems related to periodic tables will help to relate properties slowly. It is recommended to remember at least the lighter elements of the first two rows.