Learning Path
Question & Answer1
Understand Question2
Review Options3
Learn Explanation4
Explore TopicChoose the Best Answer
A
Fluorine, Atomic Number 9
B
Oxygen, Atomic Number 8
C
Nitrogen, Atomic Number 7
D
Carbon, Atomic Number 6
Understanding the Answer
Let's break down why this is correct
Answer
Among the first ten elements, fluorine is the most electronegative, meaning it pulls electrons toward itself the strongest. Electronegativity generally rises across a period, so the right‑most element in the first period (after hydrogen) shows the greatest pull. Fluorine’s electronegativity is about 4. 0 on the Pauling scale, higher than oxygen (3. 5) and nitrogen (3.
Detailed Explanation
Fluorine pulls electrons tightly because it has a small size and seven electrons that are close to the nucleus, making it the most eager to grab electrons. Other options are incorrect because Many think oxygen is the most electronegative because it is abundant in the air, but its electron pull is weaker than fluorine’s; Nitrogen is sometimes mistaken for the strongest because it forms many bonds, but its electronegativity is lower.
Key Concepts
atomic number
electronegativity
Topic
Periodic Table Structure
Difficulty
medium level question
Cognitive Level
understand
Practice Similar Questions
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Question 1Which of the following elements has the highest electronegativity?
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Question 9Which of the following elements has the highest electronegativity in Period 2 of the periodic table?
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