Question

Which of the following halogens has the highest electronegativity?

• A. Iodine
• B. Bromine
• C. Chlorine
• D. Fluorine

Hint:

Fluorine is the most electronegative element in the periodic table. This is due to its small size and the strong attraction between its nucleus and valence electrons.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Understanding Electronegativity:
Electronegativity is the ability of an atom to attract a shared pair of electrons towards itself in a chemical bond.
In the periodic table, electronegativity:
  • Increases across a period (left to right)
  • Decreases down a group (top to bottom)

Halogens in the periodic table:
Group 17 (Halogens):
Fluorine > Chlorine > Bromine > Iodine

Among the given options:
  • Iodine – lower electronegativity (large atomic size)
  • Bromine – higher than iodine, but less than chlorine and fluorine
  • Chlorine – very electronegative, but not the highest
  • Fluorine – the most electronegative element in the entire periodic table with a value of 3.98 on the Pauling scale

Final Answer: Option 4: Fluorine