Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the general trend of electronegativity as you move down a group in the periodic table?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
Periodic Trend: Electronegativity
Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes how electronegativity values change within groups and across periods in the periodic table?
A
Electronegativity increases from left to right across a period and increases from top to bottom within a group.
B
Electronegativity decreases from left to right across a period and increases from top to bottom within a group.
C
Electronegativity increases from left to right across a period and decreases from top to bottom within a group.
D
Electronegativity remains constant across periods but increases within groups from top to bottom.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract and hold onto electrons in a chemical bond.
Recall the general trend across a period (left to right) in the periodic table: as atomic number increases, the effective nuclear charge increases, pulling electrons closer and increasing electronegativity.
Recall the general trend down a group (top to bottom): as atomic number increases, additional electron shells are added, increasing the distance between the nucleus and valence electrons, which decreases electronegativity.
Combine these trends to conclude that electronegativity increases from left to right across a period and decreases from top to bottom within a group.
Use this understanding to evaluate the given options and identify the correct description of electronegativity trends.
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