Final answer:
To arrange the elements in order of increasing electronegativity, we look at their positions in the periodic table. Electronegativity generally increases from bottom to top and left to right. The order of increasing electronegativity is S < O < Cl < F.
Step-by-step explanation:
To arrange the elements in order of increasing electronegativity, we look at their positions in the periodic table. Electronegativity generally increases from bottom to top and left to right. F is the most electronegative element, followed by Cl, O, and S. Therefore, the order of increasing electronegativity is S < O < Cl < F.
Electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract and hold onto electrons within a chemical bond. It's a property that helps predict the nature of chemical bonds formed between atoms.
The concept was introduced by Linus Pauling and is typically measured on various scales, with the Pauling scale being one of the most commonly used.
Atoms with higher electronegativity values have a stronger attraction for electrons, while those with lower values have a weaker attraction. Fluorine, the most electronegative element, has an electronegativity value of 3.98 on the Pauling scale, while elements like cesium or francium have very low electronegativity values.