Question

which of the following will have a higher electronegativity than arsenic (as)?

Explanation:

Electronegativity increases across a period from left to right and decreases down a group in the periodic table.

• Antimony (Sb): It is in the same group as arsenic (Group 15) but below it. So, its electronegativity is lower than arsenic.
• Carbon (C): It is in Group 14 and Period 2. Arsenic is in Group 15 and Period 4. Carbon is higher up and to the left of arsenic in terms of the general trend (but since the increase across a period is more significant in terms of electronegativity change compared to the vertical - group change for these elements), carbon has a higher electronegativity. The electronegativity value of \(C = 2.55\) and \(As=2.18\) (using Pauling scale).
• Germanium (Ge): It is in Group 14 and Period 4 (one group left of arsenic). But as we move down a period, electronegativity decreases (when comparing elements in the same period, moving right increases electronegativity). Also, \(Ge = 2.01\) (Pauling scale) which is less than \(As = 2.18\).
• Neon (Ne): It is a noble gas. Noble gases (except for some heavier noble - gas compounds) do not typically form bonds in the traditional sense for which electronegativity (a measure of an atom's ability to attract bonding electrons) is defined.

Answer:

Carbon (C)