Nitrogen (atomic number 7) and phosphorous (atomic number 15) belong to group 15 of the periodic table. Write the electron configurations of these two elements. Which of these is more electronegative?

Explanation

Electronic configuration of nitrogen is (2, 5) and that of phosphorous is (2, 8, 5). Nitrogen has two electron shells while phosphorous has three. Since nitrogen has one electron shell less compared to phosphorous, its atomic size is less. Hence, the tendency of its nucleus to attract electrons is more, i.e., nitrogen is more electronegative than phosphorous.