how to determine electronegativity
How to determine electronegativity
Answer: Electronegativity is a measure of the tendency of an atom to attract a bonding pair of electrons. There are different ways to determine the electronegativity of elements. One common method is to use the Pauling scale, named after Linus Pauling, who developed it. The Pauling scale is a widely used method to quantify the electronegativity of elements. The values on the Pauling scale range from 0.7 to 4.0.
In the Pauling scale:
- Electronegativity increases from left to right across a period in the periodic table.
- Electronegativity decreases down a group in the periodic table.
Another way to determine electronegativity is to look at the periodic table. Elements on the top right of the periodic table, such as fluorine, oxygen, and chlorine, tend to have higher electronegativities. In contrast, elements at the bottom left, such as francium and cesium, have lower electronegativities.
Overall, determining electronegativity can be done using the Pauling scale values or by analyzing the position of elements in the periodic table.