Why is oxygen considered highly electronegative compared to other elements?

• A. Oxygen has a high atomic mass and a low number of valence electrons.
• B. Oxygen has a large atomic radius and a low effective nuclear charge.
• C. Oxygen has a small atomic radius and a high effective nuclear charge.
• D. Oxygen has a low atomic mass and a high number of valence electrons.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Electronegativity is the ability of an atom to attract electrons in a chemical bond. It is influenced by atomic size and effective nuclear charge.
2. Oxygen is highly electronegative because it has a small atomic radius, which means the valence electrons are closer to the nucleus, allowing for a stronger attraction.
3. The effective nuclear charge is the net positive charge experienced by valence electrons. Oxygen has a high effective nuclear charge due to its relatively high number of protons compared to its electron shielding.
4. A high effective nuclear charge increases the attraction between the nucleus and the valence electrons, enhancing oxygen's ability to attract electrons from other atoms.
5. Therefore, the combination of a small atomic radius and a high effective nuclear charge makes oxygen highly electronegative compared to many other elements.