Question

1. which of the following correctly ranks elements in order of decreasing electronegativity? cl > cd > ca > cs s > p > cl > ar s > sc > se > sr be > ca > mg > sr clear all

Explanation:

Step1: Recall electronegativity trends

Electronegativity increases across a period and decreases down a group in the periodic table.

Step2: Analyze option A

Chlorine (Cl) is a non - metal with high electronegativity. Cadmium (Cd), Calcium (Ca) and Cesium (Cs) are metals with lower electronegativities than Cl. And among them, Cs is the most electropositive as it is in Group 1 and lower down the periodic table, Ca is in Group 2 and Cd is a transition metal. So Cl > Cd > Ca > Cs is correct in terms of decreasing electronegativity.

Step3: Analyze option B

In the periodic table, Cl is more electronegative than S and P. Also, Ar is a noble gas and has a stable electron configuration, and its electronegativity is not in the order S > P > Cl > Ar. So this option is incorrect.

Step4: Analyze option C

Scandium (Sc) is a metal, S and Se are non - metals. S is more electronegative than Se (down the group electronegativity decreases), and Sc has a lower electronegativity than both S and Se. So S > Sc > Se > Sr is incorrect.

Step5: Analyze option D

Beryllium (Be), Magnesium (Mg) and Calcium (Ca) and Strontium (Sr) are all Group 2 elements. Electronegativity decreases down the group, so the correct order should be Be > Mg > Ca > Sr, not Be > Ca > Mg > Sr. So this option is incorrect.

Answer:

A. Cl > Cd > Ca > Cs