Electronegativity - Bond Polarity in Covalent Bonds

Question 1

What is meant by the term ‘electronegativity’?

Answer 1

Electronegativity is the power of an atom to attract the electron density in a covalent bond towards itself.

Question 2

What makes one atom more electronegative than another?

Answer 2

1. The nuclear charge
2. Distance between the nucleus and the outer shell electrons
3. Shielding of the nuclear charge by electrons in inner shells

Question 3

Over which atom in a covalent bond will the delta positive sign be placed?

Answer 3

The less electronegative atom.