List the following compounds in decreasing electronegativity difference. Cl₂ HCl KCl A) KCl Cl₂ HCl B) Cl₂ HCl KCl C) HCl KCl Cl₂ D) KCl HCl Cl₂

Question

List the following compounds in decreasing electronegativity difference. Cl₂ HCl KCl A) KCl > Cl₂ > HCl B) Cl₂ > HCl > KCl C) HCl > KCl > Cl₂ D) KCl > HCl > Cl₂

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Electronegativity is the tendency of an atom to attract electrons towards itself. The greater the electronegativity difference between two atoms in a molecule, the more polar the bond will be. The electronegativity difference between K and Cl is the greatest as potassium is a metal and has a lower electronegativity compared to chlorine which is a nonmetal. The electronegativity difference between Cl and S is less than that of K and Cl. The electronegativity difference between H and Cl is the smallest as they are both nonmetals and have similar electronegativities. Therefore, the correct order from largest to smallest electronegativity difference is KCl > Cl₂ > HCl. Thus, the answer is D.

List the Following Compounds in Decreasing Electronegativity Difference