Multiple Choice
Which of the following best explains why electronegativity increases as we move up a group in the periodic table?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
Periodic Trend: Electronegativity
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Which of the following best describes the trend in electronegativity as you move from left to right across a period in the periodic table?
A
Electronegativity decreases.
B
Electronegativity remains constant.
C
Electronegativity first increases, then decreases.
D
Electronegativity increases.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that electronegativity is the tendency of an atom to attract electrons in a chemical bond.
Recall that as you move from left to right across a period in the periodic table, the number of protons in the nucleus increases, which increases the effective nuclear charge.
Recognize that the increased effective nuclear charge pulls the electrons closer to the nucleus, making the atom more electronegative.
Note that the atomic radius generally decreases across a period, which also contributes to the stronger attraction for bonding electrons.
Conclude that due to these factors, electronegativity increases as you move from left to right across a period.
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