Question

Considering the elements B, C, N, F, and Si, the correct order of their non-metallic character is:

• A. B > C > Si > N > F
• B. Si > C > B > N > F
• C. F > N > C > B > Si
• D. F > N > C > Si > B

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

F > N > C > Si > B

Answer 2

The non-metallic character of elements increases from left to right across a period.
Thus, the decreasing order of non-metallic character is $F > N > C > B$.
Again, the non-metallic character of elements decreases down a group.
Thus, the decreasing order of non-metallic characters of $C$ and $Si$ are $C > Si$.
However, $Si$ is less non-metallic than $B$ i.e., $B > Si$.

Hence, the correct order of their non-metallic characters is :
$F > N > C > B > Si$.