Which element would have the lowest electronegativity? (1 point)

Responses

an element with a small number of valence electrons and a large atomic radius
an element with a small number of valence electrons and a large atomic radius

an element with a large number of valence electrons and a large atomic radius
an element with a large number of valence electrons and a large atomic radius

an element with a small number of valence electrons and a small atomic radius
an element with a small number of valence electrons and a small atomic radius

an element with a large number of valence electrons and a small atomic radius

1 answer

The element with the lowest electronegativity would typically be an element with a small number of valence electrons and a large atomic radius.

Elements with few valence electrons (like alkali metals) tend to have lower electronegativity because they are more willing to lose their electrons and form positive ions. Additionally, a large atomic radius means that the nucleus is further away from the valence electrons, which decreases the nucleus's pull on the electrons of other atoms, leading to lower electronegativity.