Question

The electropositive character across a period ________ while electronegative character down a group _________.

• A. increases, decreases
• B. decreases, increases
• C. increases, increases
• D. decreases, decreases

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

decreases, decreases

In a group, the electronegativity decreases as atomic number increases, as a result of increased distance between the valence electron and nucleus (greater atomic radius). An example of an electropositive (i.e., low electronegativity) element is cesium, an example of a highly electronegative element is fluorine.
So, across a period, the electropositive charecter decreases and down a group the electronegative character decreases.