Which of the following elements has the highest electronegativity?
A
Chlorine
B
Bromine
C
Fluorine
D
Helium
Correct Answer: Fluorine
Electronegativity refers to the ability of an atom to attract shared electrons in a covalent bond. The higher the value of the electronegativity, the more strongly that element attracts the shared electrons.
Electronegativity increases from bottom to top in groups, and increases from left to right across periods. Thus, fluorine is the most electronegative element and lithium is the least.
