Question

The increasing order of electronegativity is:
a.) H < O < F < S < Cl
b.) Cl < H < O < F < S
c.) H < S < O < Cl < F
d.) H < S < Cl < O < F

Answer 1

Electronegativity of an atom is the tendency of an atom to accept electrons from other atoms. As we are moving from left to right in the periodic table the electronegativity of the atoms increases and top to bottom in the group the electronegativity of the atoms decreases.

Complete step by step answer:
Generally metals have low electronegativity value when compared to non-metals.
The metallic character decreases from left to right in the periodic table in the periods so the electronegativity value increases.
The given elements in the question are Hydrogen (H), Oxygen (O), Sulphur (S), Chlorine (Cl), and Fluorine (F).
The electronegativity values of the given elements are as follows.
Electronegativity value of Hydrogen is 2.1.
Electronegativity value of Oxygen is 3.5.
Electronegativity value of Sulphur is 2.5.
Electronegativity value of Chlorine is 3.
Electronegativity value of Fluorine is 4.
We have to arrange all the given elements in increasing order of their electronegativity as follows.
H (2.1) < S (2.5) < Cl (3) < O (3.5) < F (4).
So, the correct answer is “Option D”.

Note: If any element has less atomic size means the atom has high effective nuclear charge. If any atom or element has high effective nuclear charge then the atom or element accepts electrons very easily. So, the electronegativity is high in elements which have less atomic size.