Elements with the highest electronegativity can be found in which period of the periodic table?

• A. Period 4
• B. Period 7
• C. Period 6
• D. Period 2

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract and hold onto electrons in a chemical bond.
2. Understand that electronegativity generally increases across a period (from left to right) in the periodic table because atoms have more protons and a stronger pull on electrons.
3. Recognize that electronegativity generally decreases down a group (from top to bottom) because atoms have more electron shells, which shield the nucleus and reduce the effective nuclear charge felt by bonding electrons.
4. Identify that the elements with the highest electronegativity are found in the upper right corner of the periodic table, specifically in Period 2, which contains elements like fluorine and oxygen known for their high electronegativity values.
5. Conclude that among the given options, Period 2 contains the elements with the highest electronegativity.