Question

which element has the largest electronegativity in each pair? 1. sodium or potassium? 2. magnesium or phosphorus? 3. magnesium or barium? 4. carbon or fluorine?

Explanation:

Step1: Recall electronegativity trend

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

Step2: Analyze pair 1

Sodium (Na) and Potassium (K) are in the same group (Group 1). Since electronegativity decreases down a group, Na has a larger electronegativity.

Step3: Analyze pair 2

Magnesium (Mg) is in Group 2 and Phosphorus (P) is in Group 15. As electronegativity increases across a period, P has a larger electronegativity.

Step4: Analyze pair 3

Magnesium (Mg) is in Group 2 and Barium (Ba) is in Group 2 as well. Since electronegativity decreases down a group, Mg has a larger electronegativity.

Step5: Analyze pair 4

Carbon (C) is in Group 14 and Fluorine (F) is in Group 17. As electronegativity increases across a period, F has a larger electronegativity.

Answer:

1. Sodium
2. Phosphorus
3. Magnesium
4. Fluorine