Question

what general trend does electronegativity follow on the periodic table?
a. it decreases from top to bottom.
b. it decreases with increasing atomic number.
c. it increases from top to bottom.
d. it increases with increasing atomic number.

Explanation:

Electronegativity is the ability of an atom to attract electrons in a chemical bond. As we move from top to bottom in a group of the periodic table, the atomic size increases. With an increase in atomic size, the distance between the nucleus and the outermost electrons increases. This leads to a decrease in the effective nuclear charge experienced by the outermost electrons. As a result, the atom's ability to attract electrons (electronegativity) decreases.

Answer:

A. It decreases from top to bottom.