Q.8

The correct order of electronegativity of the given elements is

(A) B > C > N > O > F

(B) F > O > N > C > B

(C) F > N > O > C > B

(D) O > F > N > C > B

Correct Order of Electronegativity: B > C > N > O > F Elements Explained

Electronegativity measures an atom’s ability to attract electrons in a bond, following periodic trends where it increases across a period from left to right. For period 2 elements B, C, N, O, F, the correct order is F > O > N > C > B, making option (B) accurate.

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Electronegativity Trend

Electronegativity rises across period 2 due to increasing nuclear charge and stable electron shells, peaking at fluorine. Pauling scale values confirm: B (2.04), C (2.55), N (3.04), O (3.44), F (3.98). Boron has the lowest as a metal-like element with larger radius.

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Option Analysis

• (A) B > C > N > O > F: Incorrect; reverses the actual trend where electronegativity decreases leftward.

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• (B) F > O > N > C > B: Correct; matches Pauling values and period 2 increase.

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• (C) F > N > O > C > B: Wrong; places N (3.04) above O (3.44), ignoring oxygen’s higher value.

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• (D) O > F > N > C > B: Incorrect; fluorine exceeds oxygen as the most electronegative element.

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