Question

Which of the following elements has the highest electronegativity?

• A. Oxygen
• B. Nitrogen
• C. Fluorine
• D. Chlorine

Hint:

Fluorine is the most electronegative element. Remember the trend: across a period → increases, down a group → decreases.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Electronegativity is the tendency of an atom to attract a shared pair of electrons in a covalent bond. In the periodic table, electronegativity increases across a period and decreases down a group. Fluorine, being at the top right of the periodic table (excluding noble gases), has the highest electronegativity value of 3.98 (Pauling scale). Other options: (a) Oxygen (3.44) — high, but less than fluorine.
(b) Nitrogen (3.04) — lower.
(d) Chlorine (3.16) — high among halogens but still less than fluorine.