Question

From their positions in the periodic table, arrange the atoms in each of the following series in order of increasing electronegativity:

a. C, N, O, F
b. K, Ca, Ga, Br
c. Cl, P, Si, Mg
d. S, O, Se, Te

Answer 1

The question requires atoms to be arranged in order of increasing electronegativity, which generally increases from left to right across a period and decreases from top to bottom down a group in the periodic table.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks to arrange atoms in the order of increasing electronegativity based on their positions in the periodic table. Electronegativity tends to increase across a period (from left to right) and decrease down a group (from top to bottom).

Arrangements:

1. C, N, O, F: As we move from left to right across the second period, electronegativity increases, so the order is C < N < O < F.
2. K, Ca, Ga, Br: This series crosses periods and groups. K and Ca are from the same period with K being more to the left, making it less electronegative. Ga is to the right of Ca in the periodic table and Br is a nonmetal further to the right, therefore the order is K < Ca < Ga < Br.
3. Cl, P, Si, Mg: Electronegativity increases as we go from Mg in the third period to the right towards Cl in the same period which is nonmetal, giving us Mg < Si < P < Cl.
4. S, O, Se, Te: O is more electronegative than S because it is to the right in the same period, while Se and Te are below S and O, respectively, showing a decrease in electronegativity as we go down the group, hence S < O < Se < Te.