Question

Why does electronegativity and atomic radius have an inverse relationship?

A) Electronegativity decreases as atomic radius increases.
B) Electronegativity increases as atomic radius increases.
C) Electronegativity and atomic radius are unrelated.
D) Electronegativity is not affected by atomic radius.

Answer 1

Electronegativity and atomic radius have an inverse relationship because the closer the electrons are to the nucleus in smaller atoms, the greater the nucleus's ability to attract them, thus increasing electronegativity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The relationship between electronegativity and atomic radius is inverse because as the atomic radius increases, the electronegativity decreases. This occurs because the larger the atom, the further the bonding electrons are from the nucleus, making the nucleus less effective in attracting them. When the radius is smaller, the bonding electrons are closer to the nucleus, which has a stronger pull on them, leading to greater electronegativity.

The correct answer is A) Electronegativity decreases as atomic radius increases.