Question

as atoms of elements in group 16 are considered in order from top to bottom, the electronegativity of each successive element...

Explanation:

Electronegativity is the ability of an atom to attract electrons in a chemical bond. In a group (vertical column) of the periodic table, as we move from top to bottom, the atomic size increases. The outermost electrons are farther from the nucleus and are shielded by more inner - electron shells. This reduces the effective nuclear charge (the net positive charge experienced by the outermost electrons) that can attract bonding electrons. For group 16 elements (oxygen family: O, S, Se, Te, Po), as we go from top (e.g., oxygen) to bottom (e.g., polonium), the electronegativity decreases.

Answer:

decreases