Question detail
What is the trend in electronegativity as you move down Group 7?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Group 7(17), the halogens
Question
- A. Electronegativity increases
- B. Electronegativity decreases
- C. Electronegativity remains constant
- D. Electronegativity fluctuates
Answer
Electronegativity decreases
Explanation
As you move down Group 7, the electronegativity decreases due to the increasing atomic radius and the shielding effect, which reduces the ability of the nucleus to attract bonding electrons.
Common mistake
Electronegativity Misunderstanding
Students often confuse the trend in electronegativity with the trend in atomic size down Group 7, thinking electronegativity increases instead of decreases.
Remember that electronegativity decreases down Group 7 due to increased atomic size and shielding effect. For example, fluorine is the most electronegative element, while iodine is less electronegative. This is because as you go down the group, the number of electron shells increases, which reduces the nucleus's pull on the bonding electrons.
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