To determine which element has the highest electronegativity from the given options, we can follow these steps:
### Step 1: Understand Electronegativity
Electronegativity is defined as the tendency of an atom to attract shared electrons in a chemical bond. Generally, nonmetals have higher electronegativity compared to metals.
**Hint:** Remember that electronegativity is a property that is higher in nonmetals and lower in metals.
### Step 2: Analyze the Options
The options given are:
1. Period 2, Group 17
2. Period 3, Group 17
3. Period 2, Group 18
4. Period 2, Group 1
**Hint:** Identify the groups and periods of each option and recall the general properties of elements in those groups.
### Step 3: Eliminate Group 18
Group 18 consists of noble gases, which have a complete octet and are stable. They do not tend to attract electrons, so their electronegativity is effectively zero.
**Hint:** Noble gases are known for their lack of reactivity and low electronegativity.
### Step 4: Eliminate Group 1
Group 1 consists of alkali metals, which are highly electropositive. They readily lose electrons rather than attract them, resulting in low electronegativity.
**Hint:** Alkali metals are characterized by their tendency to lose electrons easily.
### Step 5: Compare the Remaining Options
Now we are left with:
1. Period 2, Group 17 (Halogens)
2. Period 3, Group 17 (Halogens)
Halogens are known for their high electronegativity. Electronegativity increases across a period and decreases down a group.
**Hint:** Recall that as you move from left to right across a period, electronegativity increases.
### Step 6: Determine the Highest Electronegativity
Between Period 2 and Period 3, the element in Period 2, Group 17 is fluorine (F), which is known to have the highest electronegativity of all elements.
**Hint:** Fluorine is the most electronegative element in the periodic table.
### Conclusion
The element with the highest electronegativity belongs to Period 2, Group 17, which is fluorine.
**Final Answer:** Period 2, Group 17 (Fluorine).
