Question

Which statement applies to electronegativity? electronegativity increases as the size of atom increases. electronegativity decreases as the size of atom decreases. there is no correlation between electronegativity and atom size. electronegativity increases as the size of atom decreases.

Answer 1

The correct answer is that electronegativity increases as the size of atom decreases. This is because electronegativity is inversely proportional to the atomic size. That is why when the electronegativity increases, there is a decrease of atomic size. When the atomic radius increases, there is a lesser interaction between the nucleus and the surrounding electrons causing the electronegativity to decrease.