Electronegativity
Electronegativity - A measure of the attraction of a bonded atom for a pair of electrons in a
covalent bond
● In molecules such as H2+ or Cl2+ the electrons are shared equally
● In molecules containing other elements, the most electronegative element attracts
the electrons
Pauling's electronegativity scale
● Measure of electronegativity
● Runs on a scale of 0-4
● Higher number = more electronegative
● Fluorine is the most electronegative at 4
● Electronegativity increases diagonally across the periodic table, finishing at fluorine
and excluding noble gases
Electronegativity depends on:
● Nuclear charge
● Atomic radius
● Shielding
Electronegativity - A measure of the attraction of a bonded atom for a pair of electrons in a
covalent bond
● In molecules such as H2+ or Cl2+ the electrons are shared equally
● In molecules containing other elements, the most electronegative element attracts
the electrons
Pauling's electronegativity scale
● Measure of electronegativity
● Runs on a scale of 0-4
● Higher number = more electronegative
● Fluorine is the most electronegative at 4
● Electronegativity increases diagonally across the periodic table, finishing at fluorine
and excluding noble gases
Electronegativity depends on:
● Nuclear charge
● Atomic radius
● Shielding
