Question

The concept of electronegativity is not applicable to an element having which of the following outer shell configurations?

• A. $n{s}^{2}n{p}^5$
• B. $n{s}^{2}n{p}^4$
• C. $n{s}^{2}n{p}^3$
• D. $n{s}^{2}n{p}^6$

Answer 1

The correct option is D $n{s}^{2}n{p}^6$

Electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract shared electrons towards itself in a chemical bond.
Noble gases have the general electronic configuration of $n{s}^{2}n{p}^6$. Since, noble gases do not form bonds, electronegativity is not applicable to noble gases.