Question

Which is the more electronegative element? $ Na $ or $ ~Sc $

Answer 1

Hint : We know that the non-metals are more electronegative than metals and ongoing down the group on modern periodic table electronegativity of elements tends to decrease. Now, by using this you can easily find the correct option from the given ones.

Complete Step By Step Answer:
It is known to you that electronegativity of an element is the tendency of its atom to attract the shared pair of electrons towards itself in a covalent bond. This happens because as per the definition of electronegativity, the higher the tendency of an atom to attract the shared pair of electrons, the higher is its electronegativity. As fluorine has the highest attraction for the shared pair of electrons in a covalent bond with any other element because of its small atomic radius and large nuclear charge, it is the most electronegative element in the modern periodic table. Inert gases are either electropositive or electronegative as they already have a stable electronic configuration and they don’t accept, donate or share their electrons.
An atom can attract shared electrons in a covalent bond. It is seen as the higher the electronegativity value, the more strongly the elements attract the shared electron. Electronegativity predictably varies in the periodic table. It increases from bottom to top in groups and increases from left to right across periods. Hence, fluorine becomes the most electronegative element, and francium becomes one of the least electronegative elements. The positively charged protons attract the negatively charged electrons. As the number of protons increases, the electronegativity will increase. Looking at this explanation, the electronegativity increases from left to right in a row in the periodic table.
Since $ Sc $ has greater size than $ Na, $ So $ Sc $ will be a more electronegative element then $ Na. $

Note :
Remember that it should be remembered that although fluorine is the most electronegative element, still its electron affinity is less than that of chlorine. This happens due to the small size of fluorine. All the electrons in the atom repel the incoming electron significantly; this nullifies the effect of higher electronegativity of fluorine over chlorine.