Electronic configuration of four elements A, B, C and D are given below: (A) 1s2 2s2 2p3 (B) 1s2 2s2 2p4 (C) 1s2 2s2 2p5 (D) 1s2 2s2 2p2 Which of the following is the correct order of increasing electronegativity (Pauling's scale)?
- D < A < B < C
- A < B < C < D
- A < C < B < D
- A < D < B < C
Answer
(1) D < A < B < C
Solution
Identify the elements from their configurations:
A (2p3) = N, B (2p4) = O, C (2p5) = F, D (2p2) = C
All are in period 2; electronegativity increases from left to right as the nuclear charge increases and the atomic size decreases.
Pauling values: C (2.5) < N (3.0) < O (3.5) < F (4.0)
D < A < B < C
Answer: (1)