What is the electronegativity range for electronegative nonmetals?

The correct response is the range greater than 2.8 for electronegative nonmetals. Electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract and hold onto electrons when it is part of a compound. Nonmetals, particularly those in the upper right corner of the periodic table, such as fluorine, oxygen, and nitrogen, possess high electronegativity values.

Fluorine, for example, has the highest electronegativity value of approximately 4.0 on the Pauling scale. Other nonmetals like oxygen and nitrogen also have values above 3.0. This high electronegativity is essential for understanding chemical bonding and polarity in molecules formed by these elements. Nonmetals are characterized by their strong tendency to gain or share electrons to achieve stable electron configurations.

The ranges in the other options do not accurately reflect the electronegativity values of electronegative nonmetals. Therefore, recognizing the appropriate range of electronegativity helps to better understand the behavior of elements during chemical reactions and bonding.