Question

How does electronegativity vary along with a group and along a period? Give reasons and explain with examples.

Answer 1

1. Electronegativity of an element is defined as the tendency of an element present in a molecule to attract a shared pair of electrons towards itself.
2. Top to bottom in a group - The atomic size increases and hence, the shared pair of electrons are less attracted towards itself means electronegativity decreases.
3. Left to right along a period - The atomic size decreases, and hence, the effective nuclear charge increases. Due to this a shared pair of electrons are more attracted towards itself means electronegativity increases.