202k views
3 votes
What is the directional trend for decreasing electronegativity on the periodic chart?

a) Increases from left to right
b) Increases from top to bottom
c) Decreases from left to right
d) Decreases from top to bottom

User Peiblox
by
8.4k points

1 Answer

5 votes

Final answer:

The trend for decreasing electronegativity on the periodic table is down a group, where it decreases from top to bottom.

Step-by-step explanation:

The directional trend for decreasing electronegativity on the periodic chart is that electronegativity decreases from top to bottom within a group. This tendency can be explained by an increase in atomic size as one moves down a group, which makes the pull of the nucleus on the bonding electrons less effective. Conversely, electronegativities generally increase from left to right across a period, which is due to an increase in nuclear charge and a decrease in atomic size.

Therefore, the correct answer to the question 'What is the directional trend for decreasing electronegativity on the periodic chart?' is (d) Decreases from top to bottom.

User JacobW
by
8.6k points

No related questions found