Electronegativity

Question 1

What is electronegativity?

Answer 1

The ability of an atom to attract valence electrons towards itself in a chemical bond.

Electronegativity is influenced by atomic number and the size of the valence shell.

Question 2

What determines the electronegativity of an atom?

Answer 2

Main properties are atomic number and size of the valence shell, reflected in effective nuclear charge.

Greater effective nuclear charge leads to greater electronegativity.

Question 3

Who quantified electronegativity values in 1932?

Answer 3

Linus Pauling.

He scaled electronegativity values relative to a maximum of 4.0 for fluorine.

Question 4

What is the maximum electronegativity value and which element has it?

Answer 4

4.0 for fluorine.

This value is based on Linus Pauling’s scale.

Question 5

What trend occurs in electronegativity down a group in the periodic table?

Answer 5

Decreases.

Effective nuclear charge stays constant while the number of shells increases, making valence electrons less attracted to the nucleus.

Question 6

What trend occurs in electronegativity left to right across a period?

Answer 6

Increases.

The number of occupied shells remains constant, but effective nuclear charge increases, attracting valence electrons more strongly.