Final answer:
For oxyacids, the strength of the acid increases with the electronegativity of the central atom. Thus, the less electronegative the central atom, the stronger the oxyacid, making option B the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the strength of oxyacids and how it is related to the electronegativity of the central atom (often denoted as 'Y' or 'E') within the oxyacid molecule. The correct answer to the question is:
(B) The less electronegative the Y atom, the stronger the oxyacid.
Oxyacids consist of hydrogen, oxygen, and another element (the central atom Y). The electronegativity of the central atom influences how tightly the electrons are held in the bond between the oxygen and hydrogen atoms (O-H bond). A higher electronegativity in the central atom results in electrons being drawn more towards that atom, weakening the O-H bond and thus increasing the ease with which the oxyacid can release hydrogen ions (H+). This greater propensity to release hydrogen ions is indicative of a stronger acid. Therefore, strong oxyacids are characterized by a more electronegative central atom. Conversely, when the central atom is less electronegative, the oxyacid is weaker.