Question

question 2. based on the periodic trend of electronegativity, which of the following elements is the most electronegative?
sodium (na)
oxygen (o)
calcium (ca)
carbon (c)

Explanation:

To determine the most electronegative element, we use the periodic trend of electronegativity: electronegativity increases across a period (from left to right) and decreases down a group (from top to bottom).

• Sodium (Na) is in Group 1, Period 3.
• Oxygen (O) is in Group 16, Period 2.
• Calcium (Ca) is in Group 2, Period 4.
• Carbon (C) is in Group 14, Period 2.

Oxygen is further to the right in Period 2 compared to Carbon, and higher (in a higher period or same period but more right) than Na and Ca. So Oxygen has the highest electronegativity among the options.

Answer:

B. Oxygen (O)