Question

p, al, cl, si, na, s, mg
which of the elements above is the most electronegative?
your answer should be an element name or symbol.
enter the answer

Explanation:

Step1: Recall electronegativity trend

Electronegativity increases across a period (left to right) and decreases down a group (top to bottom) in the periodic table.

Step2: Locate elements in periodic table

The elements P (phosphorus), Al (aluminum), Cl (chlorine), Si (silicon), Na (sodium), S (sulfur), Mg (magnesium) are all in period 3.

Step3: Determine order of electronegativity in period 3

In period 3, from left to right: Na < Mg < Al < Si < P < S < Cl. So Cl has the highest electronegativity among them.

Answer:

Cl (or Chlorine)