Explanation

This question is based on the periodic trend of electronegativity in Group 15 elements.

The elements of Group 15 are:

N > P > As > Sb > Bi (electronegativity decreases down the group)

Approximate Pauling electronegativity values are:

N = 3.0
P = 2.1
As = 2.0
Sb = 1.9
Bi = 1.9

Now calculate the differences step by step.

Difference between N and P:

$$ |3.0 - 2.1| = 0.9 $$

Difference between P and As:

$$ |2.1 - 2.0| = 0.1 $$

Difference between P and Sb:

$$ |2.1 - 1.9| = 0.2 $$

Difference between P and Bi:

$$ |2.1 - 1.9| = 0.2 $$

The question states that:

Difference between X and phosphorus > Difference between phosphorus and Y

The largest difference with phosphorus is for nitrogen, while a smaller difference is observed with arsenic.

Hence,

X = N and Y = As

Therefore, the correct answer is N & As.

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