Which element in each of the following pairs has the higher electronegativity? (a) Sb or I (b) P or Sb

Electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract and hold onto electrons when it forms a chemical bond. It is a dimensionless quantity typically measured on the Pauling scale, where higher values indicate a stronger attraction for electrons. Understanding electronegativity is crucial for predicting bond types and molecular behavior.

Periodic trends refer to the predictable patterns observed in the properties of elements across the periodic table. Electronegativity generally increases from left to right across a period and decreases from top to bottom within a group. Recognizing these trends helps in comparing the electronegativity of different elements.

When comparing the electronegativity of two elements, it is essential to refer to established values or trends. For example, iodine (I) is more electronegative than antimony (Sb), while phosphorus (P) is more electronegative than antimony. This comparison is vital for determining which element in a pair has a higher tendency to attract electrons.