Electronegativity is the ability of an atom to attract the bonded electrons to itself in a chemical compound. The Pauling scale is a widely used numerical scale of electronegativity. Electronegativity generally increases going across in a period from left to right, and decreases going down the group in the periodic table. Electronegativity is not constant for an element and varies with the bonded element. Fluorine is considered to have the highest electronegativity and thus the greatest ability to attract electrons. Electronegativity increases with increasing non-metallic properties across a period. Non-metallic elements have a greater tendency to gain electrons.

1. Which of the following is incorrect for periodic properties?

(a) Electronegativity of F > Cl

(b) Bond energy of F₂ > Cl₂

(c) Electron affinity of Cl > F

(d) F is more oxidising than Cl

2. Which of the following is a characteristic property of non-metals?

(a) They form basic oxides.

(b) They are reducing agents.

(c) They are electronegative.

(d) They form cations by electron gain.

3. On going from right to left in a period, the electronegativity

(a) decreases

(b) increases

(c) decreases first, then increases

(d) remains unchanged

4. Which among the following is the most electronegative element?

(a) C

(b) Mg

(c) S

(d) O

5. Which of the following is the correct order of elements with increasing electronegativity?

(a) P < S < N < O

(b) S < P < N < O

(c) N < O < P < S

(d) N < P < S < O

6. Going down in the group from F to I, the electronegativity

(a) decreases

(b) increases

(c) decreases, then increases

(d) increases, then decreases

7. Electronegativity is an ability to

(a) attract protons

(b) attract electrons

(c) repel protons

(d) repel electrons

8. The property of the halogens to attract the bonded electrons of the covalent bond is known as

(a) electron affinity

(b) ionisation potential

(c) electronic attraction

(d) electronegativity

9. Which among the following is the most electronegative element?

(a) B

(b) F

(c) O

(d) C

10. Which of the following elements have electronegativity less than 3 on Pauling’s scale?

(a) F

(b) Cl

(c) C

(d) O

Answer