Question

Which of the following is the most electronegative element? 

• A. Fluorine
• B. Chlorine
• C. Oxygen
• D. Nitrogen Correct Answer: (A) Fluorine Solution:

Hint:

Fluorine is the most electronegative element in the periodic table and is often asked in competitive examinations.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept: Electronegativity is the tendency of an atom to attract the shared pair of electrons towards itself in a chemical bond. General periodic trend:

• Electronegativity increases from left to right across a period.

• Electronegativity decreases from top to bottom in a group.

Step 1: Compare the given elements. The elements provided are: \[ F,\; Cl,\; O,\; N \] Among these, fluorine lies at the top-right corner of the periodic table (excluding noble gases).

Step 2: Recall electronegativity values. Approximate Pauling electronegativities: \[ F = 3.98 \] \[ O = 3.44 \] \[ Cl = 3.16 \] \[ N = 3.04 \] Since fluorine has the highest value, it attracts bonding electrons most strongly.

Step 3: Conclude the answer. Therefore, the most electronegative element is \[ \boxed{\text{Fluorine}} \] Hence, the correct option is \(\boxed{(A)}\).