Elements X and Y belong to Group 15 . The difference between the electronegativity values of 'X' and phosphorus is higher than that of the difference between phosphorus and 'Y'. 'X' & 'Y' are respectively

We need to identify elements X and Y from Group 15, where the difference in electronegativity between X and P is greater than the difference between P and Y.

In Group 15, electronegativity generally decreases down the group: N > P > As > Sb > Bi. The Pauling electronegativity values are approximately: N(3.04), P(2.19), As(2.18), Sb(2.05), Bi(2.02).

For the condition to hold, $$|EN_X - EN_P| > |EN_P - EN_Y|$$, we need X to be farther from P in electronegativity than Y.

Check Option (2): X = N, Y = As.

$$|EN_N - EN_P| = |3.04 - 2.19| = 0.85$$

$$|EN_P - EN_{As}| = |2.19 - 2.18| = 0.01$$

$$0.85 > 0.01$$ ✓

This satisfies the given condition. N is much more electronegative than P (large difference), while As has nearly the same electronegativity as P (small difference).

The correct answer is Option (2): N and As.