Chapter 18, Problem 16RQ

To determine

The element in the periodic table that has the greatest electronegativity and the element that has the least electronegativity.

Answer to Problem 16RQ

Fluorine is the element having the greatest electronegativity and Francium is the element having the least electronegativity.

Explanation of Solution

The periodic table has a proper arrangement of all the elements. The atoms of the periodic table are placed in eighteen vertical columns called groups and seven horizontal rows called periods. The properties of elements vary across the period and down the group.

The tendency of an atom in a periodic table to attract electrons towards it is the phenomenon called electronegativity. The electronegativity of an atom increases from left side of period to right side whereas the electronegativity of an atom decreases down the group.

Thus, fluorine is the element having the greatest electronegativity in the periodic table and francium is the element having the least electronegativity in the periodic table.

Conclusion:

Therefore, Fluorine is the element having the greatest electronegativity and Francium is the element having the least electronegativity.