Electronegativity (EN)

Question 1

What is electronegativity?

Answer 1

The ability of an atom to attract electrons in a bond

Question 2

Why does electronegativity decrease down a group?

Answer 2

Increased shielding and greater distance from the nucleus weaken attraction for electrons.

Question 3

Why does electronegativity increase across a period?

Answer 3

Smaller radius and stronger nuclear pull increase the atom’s ability to attract electrons.

Question 4

What is the difference between electron affinity and electronegativity?

Answer 4

Electron affinity refers to an isolated gaseous atom gaining an electron.

Electronegativity refers to an atom attracting electrons within a chemical bond.