2007-02-02 18:44:50 · 3 answers · asked by sonakshi a 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
It is the ability of an atom to attract electrons.
2007-02-06 15:05:58 · answer #1 · answered by autumnleaves1990 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Electronegativity is a measure of the ability of an atom or molecule to attract electrons in the context of a chemical bond. The type of bond formed is largely determined by the difference in electronegativity between the atoms involved. Atoms with similar electronegativities will share an electron with each other and form a covalent bond. However, if the difference is too great, the electron will be completely transferred from the less electronegative atom to the more electronegative atom, forming an ionic bond. Furthermore, in a covalent bond if one atom pulls slightly harder than the other a polar covalent bond will form.
2007-02-03 03:56:00 · answer #2 · answered by Nitya 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Pauling scale where fluorine has electronegativity ~3.98 and francium has 0.7, hydrogen is arbitrarily assigned a value of 2.1 or 2.2.
2007-02-03 02:53:10 · answer #3 · answered by fuzzyslowmo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋