Which element has the highest electronegativity? MCQ with Answer and Explanation

Fluorine is the most electronegative element with a Pauling electronegativity of 3.98. Electronegativity increases across a period and decreases down a group. Thus, among the halogens, F > Cl > Br > I. Oxygen (3.44) is second. Electronegativity determines bond polarity. Because of its small size and high effective nuclear charge, fluorine strongly attracts bonding electrons. Noble gases are not assigned electronegativity values (except Kr, Xe).