Question

Arrange the following elements in increasing order of electronegativity:
N, O, F, C, Si
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. Si < C < N < O < F
• B. Si < C < O < N < F
• C. O < F < N < C < Si
• D. F < O < N < C < Si

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Electronegativity generally increases across a period from left to right and decreases down a group.

1. Silicon (Si): Silicon is in Group 14 and is below carbon. It has the lowest electronegativity among the given elements because it is further down the group.

2. Carbon (C): Carbon is in Group 14 and has a higher electronegativity than silicon because it is higher up in the group.

3. Nitrogen (N): Nitrogen is in Group 15 and has a higher electronegativity than carbon due to its position to the right of carbon in the same period.

4. Oxygen (O): Oxygen is in Group 16 and has a higher electronegativity than nitrogen because it is further to the right in the same period.

5. Fluorine (F): Fluorine is in Group 17 and has the highest electronegativity among the given elements because it is the furthest to the right in the period.

Therefore, the increasing order of electronegativity is:

Si < C < N < O < F

Conclusion:

The correct order is Si < C < N < O < F