Multiple choice

Which of the following represents the correct order of electronegativities?

  1. P > O > N

  2. N > P > O

  3. O > N > P

  4. N > O > P
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Electronegativity decreases as you go down a group within the periodic table. This is because of the longer distance between the nucleus and the outer valence electron shell within an atom. This decreases the attraction. Thus, the correct order of electronegativities is O > N > P.

Keep practicing — related questions