Which halogen is the most electronegative?

• A. Iodine (I)
• B. Fluorine (F)
• C. Bromine (Br)
• D. Chlorine (Cl)

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of electronegativity: it is a measure of an atom's ability to attract and hold onto electrons within a chemical bond.
2. Recall the general trend of electronegativity in the periodic table: electronegativity increases as you move from left to right across a period and decreases as you move down a group.
3. Identify that halogens are located in Group 17 of the periodic table, so comparing their electronegativities involves looking at their positions down the group.
4. Recognize that fluorine (F) is at the top of the halogen group, meaning it has the highest electronegativity among halogens because electronegativity decreases down the group.
5. Conclude that fluorine is the most electronegative halogen based on its position and the periodic trend of electronegativity.