Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the trend in electronegativity as you move from left to right across a period in the periodic table?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
Periodic Trend: Electronegativity
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Based on periodic trends in electronegativity, which element is more reactive: nitrogen (N) or fluorine (F)?
A
Neither nitrogen nor fluorine is reactive due to their stable electron configurations.
B
Nitrogen (N) is more reactive because it has a lower electronegativity.
C
Both nitrogen and fluorine have similar reactivity because they are in the same period.
D
Fluorine (F) is more reactive due to its higher electronegativity.
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract electrons in a chemical bond, and it generally increases across a period from left to right on the periodic table.
Identify the positions of nitrogen (N) and fluorine (F) on the periodic table: both are in period 2, but fluorine is to the right of nitrogen, indicating fluorine has a higher electronegativity.
Understand that higher electronegativity often correlates with higher reactivity for nonmetals because these elements tend to gain electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration.
Consider the electron configurations: nitrogen has a half-filled p subshell (which is relatively stable), while fluorine is one electron short of a full p subshell, making it more eager to gain an electron.
Conclude that fluorine's higher electronegativity and its tendency to complete its octet make it more reactive than nitrogen.
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