Question

The 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

Answer 1

Correct Answer - C
Si and P are in the `3^(rd)` period while C and N are in `2^(nd)` period. Elements in `2^(nd)` period have higher electronegativities than those in `3^(rd)` period. Since N has smaller size and higher nuclear charge than C, its electronegativity is higher than that of C. Similarly, the electronegativity of P is higher than that of Si. Thus, the overall order is : Si, P, C, N.