which of the following sets of elements is arranged in order of decresing electronegativity?

O,S,As
Cl, B, CL
Br, Cl, P
Be, C, O
please explain correct answer

To determine the correct answer, we need to consider the electronegativity values of the elements in each set. Electronegativity is a measure of an element's ability to attract electrons towards itself in a chemical bond.

The correct order of decreasing electronegativity is as follows:

1. Cl, B, Cl
2. Br, Cl, P
3. O, S, As
4. Be, C, O

Explanation:

1. Cl, B, Cl: Chlorine (Cl) has a higher electronegativity compared to boron (B). Since chlorine appears twice in the set, it has the highest electronegativity. Therefore, the correct order is Cl, B, Cl.

2. Br, Cl, P: Bromine (Br) has a higher electronegativity compared to chlorine (Cl), and phosphorus (P) has a lower electronegativity compared to both Br and Cl. Therefore, the correct order is Br, Cl, P.

3. O, S, As: Oxygen (O) has a higher electronegativity compared to sulfur (S), and arsenic (As) has a lower electronegativity compared to both O and S. Therefore, the correct order is O, S, As.

4. Be, C, O: Oxygen (O) has a higher electronegativity compared to carbon (C), and beryllium (Be) has a lower electronegativity compared to both O and C. Therefore, the correct order is O, C, Be.

Thus, the correct answer is Br, Cl, P.

To determine the order of decreasing electronegativity for the given sets of elements, we need to refer to the periodic table. Electronegativity generally increases as you move across a period from left to right and decreases as you move down a group.

Let's solve these sets one by one:

1. O, S, As
Oxygen (O) is located to the right of sulfur (S) and arsenic (As) on the periodic table. As we move from left to right across the same group, electronegativity generally increases. Therefore, the correct order of decreasing electronegativity for this set is As > S > O.

2. Cl, B, Cl
Both chlorine atoms (Cl) are in the same position on the periodic table. However, boron (B) is located to the left of them. Electronegativity generally increases as we move from left to right. Hence, the correct order for this set is B < Cl < Cl.

3. Br, Cl, P
Bromine (Br) is situated to the right of chlorine (Cl) and phosphorus (P) on the periodic table. Based on moving from left to right, the order of decreasing electronegativity is P < Cl < Br.

4. Be, C, O
Beryllium (Be) is found on the left side of the periodic table, while carbon (C) and oxygen (O) are more towards the right. Electronegativity increases moving left to right. Therefore, the order of decreasing electronegativity for this set is Be < C < O.

In summary, the correct order of decreasing electronegativity for the given sets of elements is:
1. As > S > O
2. B < Cl < Cl
3. P < Cl < Br
4. Be < C < O

Why can't you look these up in your text notes? Most texts have tables.