Electronegativity

Question 1

Definition of electronegativity

Answer 1

A measure of the attraction an atom has for the shared pair of electrons in a covalent bond

Question 2

Electrons are shared exactly evenly when

Answer 2

Two atoms are bonded by a covalent bond and have the same electronegativity

Question 3

Which atom is the electrons in a covalent bond more attracted to

Answer 3

The atom with the higher electronegativity

Question 4

Trend across a period for electronegativity

Answer 4

Increases across a period

Question 5

Explanation for trend across a period for electronegativity

Answer 5

Electronegativity increases as you go across a period as the nuclear charge is increasing causing the atom to attract bonded electrons more strongly - increased electronegativity

Question 6

Trend down a group for electronegativity

Answer 6

Decreases down the group

Question 7

Explanation for trend down a group for electronegativity

Answer 7

Electronegativity decreases as you go down a group as there are more electron shells . These extra shells shield the bonded electrons from the nuclear charge and so the shared pair are attracted less strongly to the atom