Which of the following elements is the most electronegative? a. potassium b. astatine c. francium d. chlorine

Option (D) is the correct answer.

Explanation:

Electronegativity is defined as the ability of an element or atom to readily attract electrons towards itself.

Generally, non-metals are the species which tend to show electronegativity. Whereas metals have the ability to lose electrons in order to gain stability.

Hence, metals are electropositive in nature.

For example, potassium and francium are metals.

And, astatine is a metalloid, that is, it shows properties of both metals and non-metals. Hence, it shows both electropositive and electronegative nature.

Chlorine being a non-metal is electronegative in nature and hence, it has the ability to readily attract an electron.

Thus, we can conclude that out of the given options chlorine element is the most electronegative.