Question

Among the elements of the second period Li to Ne pick out the element :

(i) with the highest electronegativity

(ii) that is the most reactive non-metal

(iii) that is the most reactive metal.

Answer 1

(i) The electronegativity increases in going from left to right and decreases down the group. Therefore, the element with' the highest electronegativity in second period is ${F}$.

(ii) The reactivity of a non-metal can be estimated from its electronegativity. The non-metal having higher electronegativity should be more reactive. Thus, the most reactive non-metal is F.

(iii) The reactivity of metals is estimated by the ionization energy. The metal having lower ionization energy should be more reactive. Thus, here ${Li}$ is the most reactive metal.