Question

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

Answer 1

1. The tendency to attract the shared pair of electrons towards itself by an atom is called electronegativity (EN). Electronegativity in a group decreases from top to bottom due to the increase in atomic size and decrease in nuclear attraction. Example: Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs - Li has the highest EN and Cs has the least EN in $\mathit{I}\mathit{A}$ group.
2. Electronegativity in a period increases from left to right due to the decrease in atomic size and increase in nuclear attraction. Example: Li, Be, B, C, N, O, F - Li has the least EN and F has the highest EN in a period.