Which one of the following elements exhibits the greatest tendency to lose electrons ? A. Fluorine B. Lithium C. Oxygen D. Zinc

Fluorine
Lithium
Oxygen
Zinc

The correct answer is A. Fluorine.

Fluorine is the most electronegative element on the periodic table, which means it has the strongest tendency to attract electrons. This is because fluorine has a very small atomic radius and a high electronegativity. The small atomic radius means that the electrons in fluorine’s valence shell are very close to the nucleus, which makes them more strongly attracted to the nucleus. The high electronegativity means that fluorine has a strong attraction for electrons in general.

Lithium, oxygen, and zinc are all metals. Metals have a low electronegativity, which means they have a weak attraction for electrons. This is because metals have a large atomic radius and a low electronegativity. The large atomic radius means that the electrons in a metal’s valence shell are far from the nucleus, which makes them less strongly attracted to the nucleus. The low electronegativity means that metals have a weak attraction for electrons in general.

Therefore, fluorine has the greatest tendency to lose electrons.