Nitrogen (atomic number = 7) and phosphorus (atomic number = 15) belong to group 15 of the periodic table. Write the electronic configuration of these two elements. Which will be more electronegative and why?
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Solution
The electronic configuration of Nitrogen is 2, 5.
The electronic configuration of phosphorous is 2, 8, 5.
we know that electronegativity decreases down the group due to the increase in the distance between the nucleus and the outermost shell which decreases the attraction of the electron pair.
So, Phosphorous is less electronegative than nitrogen as nitrogen and phosphorus lie in the same group in the periodic table.