Question

Using the periodic table only, arrange the elements in each set-in order of decreasing EN:

(a) N, P, Si;

(b) Ca, Ga, As.

Short answer

Electronegativity is defined as an atom's proclivity to attract the shared pair of electrons between the bonded atoms.

Step-by-step solution

Electronegativity between N, P, Si

The elements N, P, and Si all belong to the same group. As a result, N has a higher electronegativity than P. The elements Si and P are from the same period. As a result, P has a higher electronegativity than Si.

As a result, the decreasing order of N, P, and Si electro negativities is as follows:

N>P>Si

Increasing order of Electronegativity between Ca, Ga, As

Electronegativity increases from left to right in periods and reduces from top to bottom in groups. The elements Ca, Ga, and As all belong to the same period. As a result, 'As' has a higher electronegativity than Ga.

As>Ga>Ca