Using the trends in the periodic table, rank the following atoms in order of increasing electronegativity. Rb, Na, K
The trend for electronegativity in the periodic table is that electronegativity increases from left to right across a period and decreases from top to bottom within a group.
Comparing Rb, Na, and K:
- Rb is further to the left on the periodic table compared to Na and K, so it is the least electronegative among the three.
- Between Na and K, Na is located to the left of K in the same period. Therefore, Na has a lower electronegativity compared to K.
Ranking the atoms in increasing electronegativity:
1. Rb
2. Na
3. K