Which of the following is the least electronegative element in the periodic table?
a.
calchogens
b.
alkali earth metal
c.
alkali metal
d.
halogens
b. alkali earth metal
The ability of an element to participate in a chemical reaction is measured in form of its _________
To determine the least electronegative element in the periodic table among the given options, we need to understand the concept of electronegativity. Electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract electrons towards itself in a chemical bond.
Among the options provided, the alkali metal is the least electronegative element. Alkali metals are located in Group 1 of the periodic table and include elements such as lithium (Li), sodium (Na), and potassium (K). These elements have a low electronegativity because they have only one valence electron, which is far from the nucleus, making it more easily lost rather than gained.
To determine the least electronegative element among the given options, we need to understand the concept of electronegativity. Electronegativity refers to the tendency of an atom to attract electrons towards itself when it forms a chemical bond with another atom.
To find the least electronegative element, we need to compare the electronegativity values of the elements in the options. The electronegativity values increase from left to right across a period and decrease from top to bottom in a group on the periodic table.
a. Chalcogens are a group of elements in Group 16 (Group VIA) of the periodic table. In this group, the electronegativity increases as we move towards the top of the group. Therefore, chalcogens can have relatively higher electronegativity values compared to other options.
b. Alkali earth metals belong to Group 2 (Group IIA) of the periodic table. These elements tend to have lower electronegativity values compared to other groups but higher than the alkali metals. So, they are not the least electronegative elements.
c. Alkali metals are found in Group 1 (Group IA) of the periodic table. Alkali metals generally have low electronegativity values due to their tendency to lose their only valence electron and form positive ions.
d. Halogens are located in Group 17 (Group VIIA) of the periodic table. Halogens have relatively high electronegativity values because they only need one more electron to achieve a stable electron configuration.
Considering the information above, we can conclude that the least electronegative element among the options provided is the alkali metal (c).