As you move down a group (family) in the periodic table, how does the electronegativity of the elements typically change?

• A. Electronegativity decreases
• B. Electronegativity remains the same
• C. Electronegativity increases
• D. Electronegativity first increases, then decreases

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract and hold onto electrons in a chemical bond.
2. Recall that as you move down a group in the periodic table, the atomic radius increases because additional electron shells are added.
3. Recognize that the increased distance between the nucleus and the valence electrons reduces the nucleus's pull on bonding electrons, due to increased shielding by inner electrons.
4. Conclude that because of this increased shielding and larger atomic size, the electronegativity decreases as you move down a group.
5. Summarize that the trend in electronegativity down a group is a decrease, which aligns with the periodic trends observed in the periodic table.