Question

8 multiple choice 1 point when comparing the electronegativity of potassium (k) with selenium (se), which of the following is a true statement? selenium is more electronegative because selenium is a metalloid. selenium is more electronegative. potassium and selenium each have the same number of energy levels, however, selenium has more protons in its nucleus. a larger number of protons results in an increase in the force of attraction for electrons. potassium is more electronegative because selenium has 34 electrons and it does not want another. potassium is more electronegative. potassium and selenium both have the same amount number of energy levels, however, selenium has less electrons.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the trend of electronegativity in the periodic table

Electronegativity increases from left to right across a period. Potassium (K) is in group 1 and selenium (Se) is in group 16 of the same period (period 4).

Step2: Analyze each option

• Option 1: Selenium is a non - metal (not a metalloid), and being a metalloid is not the reason for its higher electronegativity.
• Option 2: Electronegativity is not directly related to the number of protons in this way. The force of attraction for electrons is more about the effective nuclear charge (which is related to the number of protons and shielding).
• Option 3: Potassium is less electronegative than selenium. Selenium has more protons and a higher effective nuclear charge (for the same period, same number of energy levels) which makes it more electronegative.
• Option 4: Since electronegativity increases from left to right across a period (same number of energy levels for elements in the same period), and selenium is to the right of potassium in period 4, selenium is more electronegative.

Answer:

The second option (Selenium is more electronegative. Potassium and selenium each have the same number of energy levels, however, selenium has more protons in its nucleus. A larger number of protons results in an increase in the force of attraction for electrons.)