Question

Arrange F, C, O, N in the decreasing order of electronegativity.
A.\[\;O > F > N > C\]
B.\[F > N > C > O\]
C.\[C > F > N > O\]
D.\[F > O > N > C\]

Answer 1

Hint:Electronegativity is influenced by various factors:
-Atomic size
-Number of inner shells
-Charge on the ion
-Type of hybridization
-Ionisation Energy and Electron Affinity

Complete step by step answer:
Electronegativity – The property of an element by virtue of which it is able to attract the bonding pair of electrons towards itself is called electronegativity.
In a molecule, the bond pair of electrons is equally shared by both the contributing atoms. When one of the two atoms has a tendency of attracting the bond pair of electrons, it carries a partial negative charge (denoted by $\delta - $) while the other atom carries a partial positive charge (denoted by $\delta + $). It is this property that determines the nature of the bond.
On the basis of these factors, electronegativity trends across the period have been defined:
-Electronegativity decreases when going down the group (top to bottom)
-Electronegativity increases when going across a period (left to right)
-In the second and the third period, the element of the second period has similar electronegativity as that of the next element of the third period.
-On the basis of these properties and trends, an electronegativity series is formed.
\[ \Rightarrow F > O > Cl > N > Br > I > S > C > H > metals\]
Therefore, the correct order of electronegativities of F, C, O and N will be:
$ \Rightarrow F > O > N > C$

Hence option D is correct.

Note:
-The effect of electronegativity on the nature of the element and on the bond.
-Diagonal relationship of electronegativity is an important factor. It is applicable on the second and the third period.