The element having second highest electro negativity

The correct answer is Oxygen.

Key Points

• Oxygen has the second highest electronegativity value of 3.44 on the Pauling scale, after Fluorine, which has the highest electronegativity of 3.98.
• Electronegativity is the ability of an atom to attract shared electrons in a chemical bond.
• Fluorine is the most electronegative element, followed by Oxygen, which makes Oxygen the second most electronegative element.
• The high electronegativity of Oxygen is critical to its role in forming polar covalent bonds, such as in water (H₂O).
• Oxygen's strong electronegativity also explains its high reactivity and ability to form stable compounds with most elements.

Additional Information

• Electronegativity Scale:
  • The most common scale used to measure electronegativity is the Pauling scale, developed by Linus Pauling.
  • It ranges from 0.7 (Cesium) to 3.98 (Fluorine).
• Trends in Electronegativity:
  • Electronegativity increases across a period in the periodic table due to increasing nuclear charge.
  • It decreases down a group as atomic size increases, reducing the effective pull on shared electrons.
• Role of Oxygen in Nature:
  • Oxygen is essential for life on Earth, playing a key role in respiration and combustion processes.
  • Its high electronegativity makes it an excellent oxidizing agent in chemical reactions.
• Applications of High Electronegativity:
  • Oxygen's electronegativity contributes to its ability to form hydrogen bonds, which are crucial for the structure of water and biological molecules like DNA.
  • Its reactive nature is utilized in processes like oxidation, combustion, and industrial applications (e.g., steel manufacturing).