Question

(b) Why is nitrogen more electronegative than phosphorus?

Answer 1

Since electronegativty decreses down the group and increases across the period so, phosphorus is below in the group 15 than nitrogen hence nitrogen is more electronegative.

Answer 2

Nitrogen is more electronegative than Phosphorus because :-

Nitrogen and Phosphorus are the elements of same group i.e group 15.

Nitrogen belongs to 2nd period while Phosphorus belongs to 3rd period.

We know that, on going from top to bottom in a group, non- metalllic character decreases. The non- metallic character of any element is characterized by its tendency to lose electron i.e electronegativity.
Hence, electronegativity decreases on going from top to bottom in a group.
Therefore, Nitrogen is more electronegative than Phosphorus.

Also, Nitrogen is smaller in size as compared to Phosphorus. Due to its small size, the net electron charge increases. Hence, its nucleus exerts greater force on the electrons.
Thetefore, its tendency to gain electron is more as compared to that of Phosphorus.
That is the reason why, Nitrogen is more electronegative element than Phosphorus.



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