Question

in general, as an approximation, elements with an electronegativity value of 2.0 or greater are ______.

a metals

b nonmetals

c noble gases

d none of the above

Explanation:

Electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract electrons. Metals generally have low electronegativity (usually less than 2.0) as they tend to lose electrons. Nonmetals have higher electronegativity values, and as an approximation, elements with electronegativity ≥ 2.0 are nonmetals. Noble gases have relatively stable electron configurations and their electronegativity is not typically categorized in this simple 2.0 cutoff in the same way, and they are a subset of nonmetals but the main distinction here is between metals (low electronegativity) and nonmetals (higher electronegativity). So elements with electronegativity 2.0 or greater are nonmetals.

Answer:

b. Nonmetals