JEE Main · 2023 · 08 Apr 2023 · Shift 1 · Classification of Elements and Periodicity

Electronegativity rises across a period and falls down a group, but these four elements must be ranked by direct comparison. Bromine is the most electronegative, near $2.8$–$3.0$. Carbon follows at about $2.5$. Astatine, at the foot of the halogen group, falls to about $2.2$, and phosphorus is the least electronegative near $2.1$. The correct decreasing order is $\mathrm{Br}>\mathrm{C}>\mathrm{At}>\mathrm{P}$.