Final answer:
Using the periodic table, one can predict that the order of increasing electronegativity for Mg, P, C, and Br is Mg < Br < C < P. Mg is a metal, while P, C, and Br are nonmetals.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question involves using the periodic table to determine the relative electronegativity of elements. Electronegativity increases from the lower left to the upper right of the periodic table. Hence, we can predict the relative electronegativity for the elements given:
- Mg (Magnesium) has a lower electronegativity compared to most other elements since it's in the second column and third period.
- P (Phosphorus) generally has a higher electronegativity than Mg as it is to the right and above Mg.
- C (Carbon) is to the left and below P in the periodic table, which means P is more electronegative than C.
- Br (Bromine) is below and to the right of C and has a lower electronegativity than C since it is lower in the periodic table, despite being to the right.
Therefore, the order from lowest to highest electronegativity is Mg < Br < C < P.
Regarding classification:
- Mg is a metal located to the left of the stair-step line on the periodic table.
- P is a nonmetal found to the right of the stair-step line.
- C is also a nonmetal positioned to the right and far from the stair-step line.
- Br is a nonmetal as well, located near the stair-step line but clearly on the nonmetal side.