Electronegativity

Electronegativity: ability of an atom to attract pair of electrons to itself

Pauling scale: ranges from 0 - 4.0


Electronegativity trends

  • Electronegativity decreases down a group

  • Electronegativity increases across a period

Across a period

  • Electronegativity decreases

  • Radius decreases

  • More protons, smallest atom #

Why is fluorine more electronegative than chlorine?
- More protons in the nucleus

No stronger attraction

Adds extra orbital distance — atomic radii increases

Weaker attraction of electrons