Which atoms have the lowest electronegativity?

O

A. Atoms to the left on the periodic table

B. Atoms to the right on the periodic table

I

C. Atoms with a large atomic radius

O

D. Atoms with a small atomic radius

Answer: Option A) Atoms to the left on the periodic table

Explanation:

The periodic table has metallic elements on the left side, semi-metal or metalloids in the middle, and nonmetallic elements of the right side.

Since, electronegativity of an atom tells of its power to attract electrons. Metals give off electrons rather than attract electrons like non-metals; thus, metals have the lowest electronegativity (with values less than 2.4 while nonmetal have high electronegativity values above 2.7

Infact, the element with the highest electronegativity is a non-metal (fluorine) while the element with the lowest electronegativity is a metal (potassium)

Thus, metallic atoms located on the left side of the periodic table have the lowest electronegativity