Question

Chlorine, selenium, and bromine are located near each other on the periodic table. Which of these elements is (a) the largest atom? (b) the atom with the highest ionization energy? (c) the most electronegative?

A. Largest: Bromine, Highest ionization energy: Chlorine, Most electronegative: Fluorine
B. Largest: Bromine, Highest ionization energy: Chlorine, Most electronegative: Bromine
C. Largest: Bromine, Highest ionization energy: Bromine, Most electronegative: Chlorine
D. Largest: Chlorine, Highest ionization energy: Bromine, Most electronegative: Fluorine

Answer 1

Among chlorine, selenium, and bromine, bromine is the largest atom, chlorine has the highest ionization energy, and chlorine is also the most electronegative as these properties follow specific periodic trends.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on periodic trends within the periodic table, we can determine the relative sizes, ionization energies, and electronegativities of elements:

• The largest atom among chlorine, selenium, and bromine is bromine. This is because atomic size increases as we move down a group (or family) in the periodic table.
• The atom with the highest ionization energy is typically towards the top-right of the periodic table (excluding noble gases). Therefore, chlorine has the highest ionization energy among the given elements.
• The most electronegative element among chlorine, selenium, and bromine is chlorine. Electronegativity increases as we move across a period from left to right and decreases as we move down a group. Fluorine is the most electronegative element, but it is not among the options given.

Answering the choices provided, the correct option that matches the provided descriptions would be:

Largest: Bromine, Highest ionization energy: Chlorine, Most electronegative: Chlorine