Question

electronegativity
6.
which of the following is the best explanation for the trend observed in the
f has the largest electronegativity because it contains the
smallest number of protons and it has the smallest radius
f has the largest electronegativity because the electrons in
element f have the largest attraction to the nucleus
at has the smallest electronegativity because it has the
largest radius and the largest number of protons.
at has the smallest electronegativity because it has the
smallest number of electrons.
clear all

Explanation:

Electronegativity is the ability of an atom to attract electrons. Fluorine (F) has the highest electronegativity among these elements. The attraction of electrons to the nucleus (nuclear charge) plays a crucial role. As we move down a group (from F to At in the halogen group), the atomic radius increases. But for F, the electrons are closer to the nucleus, and there is less shielding. So, the electrons in F have a stronger attraction to the nucleus, leading to higher electronegativity. For Astatine (At), it has a larger radius. The out - er electrons are farther from the nucleus and more shielded, so the attraction of electrons to the nucleus is weaker, resulting in lower electronegativity.

• The first option is wrong because F has 9 protons (not the smallest number among these halogens, for example, Cl has 17 protons, but F has a smaller radius).
• The third option is wrong because having a large number of protons would, in the absence of other factors (like large radius and shielding), increase electronegativity. But for At, the large radius and shielding (due to more electron shells) are the main reasons for low electronegativity.
• The fourth option is wrong because At has more electrons than F (as it is lower in the group with more electron shells).

Answer:

F has the largest electronegativity because the electrons in element F have the largest attraction to the nucleus.