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Arrange the elements H, O, F, S, and Cl in the correct increasing order of electronegativity.

1. H < O < F < S < Cl
2. Cl < H < O < F < S
3. H < S < O < Cl < F
4. H < S < Cl < O < F

Correct answer: H < S < Cl < O < F

Solution

Using Pauling's scale: H(2.1) < S(2.5) < Cl(3.0) < O(3.5) < F(4.0). Fluorine is the most electronegative element, followed by oxygen. Chlorine is more electronegative than sulfur despite being below oxygen in Group 16/17 trends.

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