Which of the following elements has the strongest attraction for electrons (highest electronegativity)?

• A. Na (sodium)
• B. O (oxygen)
• C. F (fluorine)
• D. Cl (chlorine)

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract and hold onto electrons in a chemical bond.
2. Recall the general trend of electronegativity on the periodic table: it increases from left to right across a period and decreases from top to bottom within a group.
3. Identify the positions of the given elements on the periodic table: Na (Group 1, Period 3), O (Group 16, Period 2), F (Group 17, Period 2), and Cl (Group 17, Period 3).
4. Compare their positions: Fluorine (F) is to the right and at the top of the periodic table relative to the others, which means it has a higher electronegativity.
5. Conclude that fluorine has the strongest attraction for electrons (highest electronegativity) among the given elements based on its position in the periodic table.