Question

Which of the following is correct for the decreasing order of electronegativity?

• A. Na > H > Li > He
• B. H > Na > Li > He
• C. He > Li > H > Na
• D. H > Li > Na > He

Answer 1

The correct option is D H > Li > Na > He

As we move down the group, electronegativity decreases.
This is because the bonding pair of electrons are increasingly distant from the attraction of the nucleus. As $He$ is a noble gas, it has the most stable electronic configuration because of its fully filled orbitals. Thus, $He$ has no electronegativity. Therefore, the decreasing order of electronegativity is $H>Li>Na>He$