Question

Which group of elements is listed in order of increasing electronegativity?
(A) $F,Cl,Ge,Sn$
(B) $Rb,Ca,Sc,Cs$
(C) $Zr,V,Nb,Ta$
(D) $Sn,As,P,S$
(E) $Li,Na,K,F$

Answer 1

Electronegativity is defined as the tendency of the attraction of a shared pair of electrons towards itself. Fluorine is the most electronegative element in the periodic table. Cesium is the least electronegative element. Electronegativity increases across the period and decreases down the group.

Complete answer:
In the option a, the first element is given as Fluorine, it is the most electronegative element in the periodic table. Thus, this set does not contain the increasing order of electronegativity. It is not the correct one.
In the option b, $Rb\left( {0.82} \right),Ca\left( {1.0} \right),Sc\left( {1.36} \right),Cs\left( {0.79} \right)$ has the electronegativities in the increasing order up to three elements, but the fourth one is not in the increasing order. Thus, it is not a correct one.
In the option c, $Zr\left( {1.33} \right),V\left( {1.63} \right),Nb\left( {1.6} \right),Ta\left( {1.5} \right)$ has the electronegativities which is not in the increasing order. Thus, it is not a correct one.
In the option d, $Sn\left( {1.96} \right),Ar\left( {2.18} \right),P\left( {2.19} \right),S\left( {2.58} \right)$ has the electronegativities which is in the increasing order. Thus, it is a correct one.
In the option e, $F\left( {4.0} \right),Li\left( {0.98} \right),Na\left( {0.93} \right),K\left( {0.82} \right)$ has the electronegativities which is not in the increasing order. Thus, it is not a correct one.
Thus, the group of elements mentioned in option d are listed in the increasing order of electronegativity.
Option D is the correct one.

Note:
Generally, electronegativity increases along the period and decreases down the group. But, for some elements this regular trend can be deviated. Transition metals do not follow this trend due to the half-filled configuration and higher d-series elements have irregular order of electronegativity.