Question

Which is the least electronegative element among the following?

• A. Lithium
• B. Carbon
• C. Nitrogen
• D. Fluorine

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

To solve the problem, we need to identify the least electronegative element among the given choices.

1. Electronegativity Trend:
Electronegativity refers to the ability of an atom to attract electrons in a covalent bond. The trend in electronegativity is as follows: - Electronegativity increases across a period from left to right. - Electronegativity decreases down a group from top to bottom.

2. Comparison of the Elements:

• Fluorine (F) is the most electronegative element in the periodic table with an electronegativity of 3.98.
• Nitrogen (N) is highly electronegative but less than fluorine, with an electronegativity of 3.04.
• Carbon (C) is less electronegative than nitrogen, with an electronegativity of 2.55.
• Lithium (Li), being in Group 1, is the least electronegative with an electronegativity of 0.98.

Final Answer:
The least electronegative element among the following is $ {\text{Lithium}} $.