Question

Select the correct arrangement for increasing electronegativity from the given option.

• A. F < Cl < Br < I
• B. I < Br <Cl < F
• C. Br < I < F < Cl
• D. I < F < Cl < Br

Answer 1

The correct option is B

I < Br <Cl < F

Electronegativity decreases as we go down the group as the size of the atom increases and therefore the effective nuclear force on the electrons of the last shell decreases. So, the further an element is down in the group the lower is its electronegativity. The correct option among the given options is, therefore, I < Br <Cl < F. Iodine is the largest atom among the four given elements so its electronegativity is the lowest and fluorine is the smallest atom among the following elements so its electronegativity is the highest.