Final answer:
Electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract electrons in a compound. It is different from electron affinity, which measures the energy released when an atom gains an electron. Electronegativity values are assigned on a relative scale, with fluorine being the most electronegative element.
Step-by-step explanation:
Electronegativity is a measure of the ability of an atom to attract the electrons when the atom is part of a compound. Electronegativity differs from electron affinity because electron affinity is the actual energy released when an atom gains an electron. Electronegativity is not measured in energy units, but instead a relative scale. All elements are compared to one another, with the most electronegative element, fluorine, being assigned an electronegativity value of 3.98. Fluorine attracts electrons better than any other element. The table below shows the electronegativity values for the elements.