Which one of the following elements is the most electronegative atom?

• A. Chlorine (Cl)
• B. Oxygen (O)
• C. Fluorine (F)
• D. Nitrogen (N)

Answer: (C)

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 in a chemical bond.
2. Recall the general trend of electronegativity in the periodic table: electronegativity 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 in the periodic table: Fluorine (F), Oxygen (O), Nitrogen (N), and Chlorine (Cl).
4. Compare their positions: Fluorine is in period 2, group 17; Oxygen and Nitrogen are in period 2, groups 16 and 15 respectively; Chlorine is in period 3, group 17.
5. Conclude that since electronegativity increases across a period and decreases down a group, Fluorine (F), being at the top right of the periodic table among these options, is the most electronegative atom.