Solveeit Logo

Question

Question: The most active nonmetal has: A.a high electronegativity B.a low electronegativity C.a medium ...

The most active nonmetal has:
A.a high electronegativity
B.a low electronegativity
C.a medium electronegativity
D.large atomic radii
E.a deliquescent property

Explanation

Solution

In this question, we have to say which of the following options is correct for the given statement. Non-metals are the elements that mostly lack the characteristics of a metal. They are formed by the gaining of electrons. Non- metals usually have 4, 5, 6 or 7 electrons in their outermost shell.

Complete step by step answer:
Now we will discuss the given statement in detail.
Non- metals have a tendency to attract a share of electrons in a chemical compound that are electronegative in nature.
The most electronegative element in the periodic table is Fluorine (F)\left( F \right) with an electronegativity value of 3.98 which is non-metal.
The other active non- metal in the periodic table which are electronegative in nature are Nitrogen ( EN value is 3.04) , Oxygen (EN value is 3.44), Chlorine(EN value is 3.16)
After discussing in detail we can conclude that the most non-metal has high electronegativity value.
Hence, the correct option is (A).

Additional Information:
Electronegativity is the tendency of an atom to attract the shared pair of electrons.
Electronegativity increases as we move from left to right across a period and it decreases when we move down the group.
The most electronegative element is found on the top right of the periodic table and less electronegative element is found on the bottom left.

Note:
The atoms of nonmetals are smaller as compared to that of metals.
Non-metals have very low conductivity which means they are poor conductors of heat and electricity. The conductivity is the most important property that differs nonmetals from metals.
Under normal conditions of temperature and pressure, some non- metals are found as gases, some found as solids and one is found in liquid. They have low melting and boiling points.
In the solid state non-metals tend to be brittle. Therefore, they lack the properties like malleability and ductility exhibited by metals.