Which option correctly describes the pattern of reactivity and electronegativity in nonmetals?(1 point) Responses Reactivity increases down a group, and electronegativity decreases down a group. Reactivity increases down a group, and electronegativity decreases down a group. Reactivity decreases down a group, and electronegativity increases down a group. Reactivity decreases down a group, and electronegativity increases down a group. Both reactivity and electronegativity decrease up a group. Both reactivity and electronegativity decrease up a group. Both reactivity and electronegativity decrease down a group.
Reactivity increases down a group, and electronegativity decreases down a group.
The correct option is:
Reactivity decreases down a group, and electronegativity increases down a group.
The correct option that describes the pattern of reactivity and electronegativity in nonmetals is:
Reactivity decreases down a group, and electronegativity increases down a group.
To determine this pattern, we need to understand the trends in reactivity and electronegativity as we move across periods (rows) and groups (columns) on the periodic table.
1. Reactivity:
In general, reactivity tends to decrease down a group in nonmetals. This is because as we move down a group, the size of the atoms increases due to the addition of more electron shells. The increase in atomic size leads to a decrease in the effective nuclear charge experienced by the outermost electrons, making them less attracted to incoming reactants. Consequently, nonmetals become less likely to participate in chemical reactions as we move down a group.
2. Electronegativity:
On the other hand, electronegativity tends to increase down a group in nonmetals. Electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract and hold onto electrons when it forms chemical bonds. As we move down a group, the distance between the nucleus and the outermost electrons increases due to the addition of more electron shells. This results in a weaker hold on the outer electrons, leading to an increase in electronegativity. Nonmetals lower in a group will have a stronger tendency to attract electrons, making them more electronegative.
Therefore, the correct option that describes the pattern of reactivity and electronegativity in nonmetals is: Reactivity decreases down a group, and electronegativity increases down a group.