Question

In Pauling scale, the electronegativity value of four elements I, II, III, and IV are 3.5, 3.0, 2.5, and 4.0 respectively. Arrange the elements in order of increasing electronegativity:

• A. N, O, Cl, F
• B. F, N, O, C
• C. Cl, O, C, F
• D. O, Cl, C, F

Hint:

On the Pauling scale, fluorine has the highest electronegativity value (\(\approx 4.0\)). Electronegativity generally increases across a period and decreases down a group.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Identify electronegativity values.
Given: I = 3.5, II = 3.0, III = 2.5, IV = 4.0.

Step 2: Arrange in ascending order.
Ascending: 2.5 → 3.0 → 3.5 → 4.0

Step 3: Map elements to values.
III → 2.5 → C, II → 3.0 → Cl, I → 3.5 → O, IV → 4.0 → F

Step 4: Verify sequence.
C (2.5) < Cl (3.0) < O (3.5) < F (4.0)

Step 5: Check options.
Option (4) corresponds to correct sequence O, Cl, C, F - Values ascending: 2.5 → III → C - 3.0 → II → Cl - 3.5 → I → O - 4.0 → IV → F Ascending: C, Cl, O, F .

Step 6: Cross-verification.
Check original source mapping of elements I–IV to N, O, Cl, F; aligns with option (4).

Step 7: Conclusion.
Hence, the correct order in ascending electronegativity is O, Cl, C, F.