OZ6 Electronegativity Flashcards
What is electronegativity?
The ability of an atom to attract the pair of electrons in a covalent bond.
What attracts negativity charged outer electrons to an atom?
It’s positivity charged nucleus.
What is the most electronegativity element?
Fluorine.
Why is fluorine the most electronegative?
It is best at attracting electrons.
What factors affects electronegativity?
Nuclear charge, atomic radius, and shielding.
What happens to electronegativity as nuclear charge increases?
It increases.
Why does an increase in nuclear charge lead to an increase in electronegativity?
An increase in protons in the nucleus result to more attraction with outer shell electrons.
What happens to electronegativity as atomic radius increases?
It decreases.
Why does an increase in atomic radius lead to a decrease in electronegativity?
Electrons further from the nucleus have a weaker attraction.
What happens to electronegativity as the number of shells increases?
It decreases.
Why does an increase in the number of shells lead to a decrease in electronegativity?
Filled energy levels shield the nucleus leading to less attraction.
What happens to the electron distribution in a covalent bond between elements with different electronegativities?
It will be unevenly distributed as the more electronegative side will have more electrons.
What happens to electronegativity across a period?
It increases.
What happens to electronegativity down a group?
It decreases.
Why does electronegativity increase across a period?
The nuclear charge increases and the shielding doesn’t change, causing the atomic radius to decrease and result in stronger attraction.
