Metallic Character
The ability of an atom to donate electrons and form positive ion (cation) is known as electropositivity or metallic character. Down the group, metallic character increases due to increase in atomic size and across the period, from left to right electropositivity decreases due to decrease in atomic size.
Non-Metallic Character
The ability of an atom to accept electrons to form a negative ion (anion) is called non-metallic character or electronegativity. The elements having high electro-negativity have a higher tendency to gain electrons and form anion.Down the group, electronegativity decreases due to increase in atomic size andacross the period, from left to right electronegativity increases due to decreasein atomic size

Identify the reason for the gradual change in electronegativity in halogensdown the group.

Options

A. Electronegativity increases down the group due to decrease in atomic size
B. Electronegativity decreases down the group due to decrease in tendency to lose electrons
C. Electronegativity decreases down the group due to increase in atomic radius/ tendency to gain electron decreases
D. Electronegativity increases down the group due to increase in forces of attractions between nucleus & valence electrons

Answer

C

Explanation

Electronegativity decreases down the group due to increase in atomic radius/ tendency to gain electron decreases.