The correct order of electronegativity for given elements is:
Classification of Elements & Periodicity · Class 11 · JEE Main Previous Year Question
The correct order of electronegativity for given elements is:
- a
- b
- c✓
- d
🧠 Use Pauling electronegativity values: Br (2.96) > C (2.55) > At (~2.2) > P (2.19) Electronegativity decreases down a group and generally increases across a period. With elements from different groups and periods, compare actual numbers.
🗺️ Place each element Br (Group 17, Period 4): halogen, EN = 2.96. High but below F and Cl. C (Group 14, Period 2): EN = 2.55. Period 2 helps it stay relatively high. At (Group 17, Period 6): heaviest halogen — EN drops sharply down Group 17 to about 2.2. P (Group 15, Period 3): EN = 2.19. Just below At.
Order: Br > C > At > P.
⚠️ The trap Many students assume any halogen beats any non-halogen in electronegativity. But At is so far down Group 17 that its EN is barely above Phosphorus. So C (a Period 2 element from Group 14) edges out At. Halogen ≠ automatically high EN. Always check actual numbers when comparing across groups and periods.
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