Question

Which one of the following has the highest electronegativity?
(a) Br
(b) Cl
(c) P
(d) Si

Answer 1

Answer:

option "d" is correct once

Answer 2

Answer:

The element with the highest electronegativity among the following is OPTION-B) Cl.

Explanation:

What is electronegativity?

In basic words, electronegativity is defined as the relative ability of an atom to attract a bonded pair of electrons towards itself.

What are the depending factors of electronegativity?

Electronegativity trend can be predicted by considering the following two parameters:

1. Atomic radius: If atomic radius ↑, electronegativity ↓.
   As we move from left to right across a period, the atomic radius decreases; and, as we go down from top to bottom of a group, the atomic radius gradually increases.
2. Nuclear charge: If nuclear charge ↑, atomic radius ↓, electronegativity ↑.
   Thus, the nuclear charge increases from left to right across a period and decreases from top to bottom in a group.

The solution to the question:

We can see here that; Si and P fall in group 14 and Group 15 respectively and Br and Cl fall in group 17. So, it becomes obvious that the electronegativity of Group 17 is greater than Group 15 and Group 14.
Group 17 > Group 15 > Group 14

Thus, Cl and Br would be more negative than P; which is, in turn, more electronegative than Si.

Now, Br comes below Cl in Group 17 and as the atomic radius of Br is more than that of Cl, so, Cl is more electronegative than Br.

Conclusion:

Thus, the electronegativity trend for the following elements becomes:
Cl > Br > P > Si

So, Cl is the most electronegative atom here (OPTION-B)

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