Chapter 6: Problem 7

Why is the electronegativity of an element important?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Electronegativity of an element is important as it impacts the bond type (ionic/covalent), reactivity, acidity or basicity of compound, and helps predict the behavior of atoms during chemical reactions.

Step by step solution

Definition of electronegativity

Electronegativity, in simple terms, is defined as the ability of an atom in a molecule to draw bonding electrons towards itself. It's a measure of the force of an atom's attraction on bonding electrons.

Impact on bond type

In a bond, if the atoms have equal electronegativity, they will share electrons equally, resulting in a nonpolar covalent bond. On the contrary, a large difference in electronegativity between bonding atoms causes an unequal distribution of electrons, resulting in a polar covalent bond or, in the extreme case, an ionic bond.

Effect on chemical reactivity

Electronegativity greatly impacts the reactivity of an element. Elements with high electronegativity, like Fluorine and Oxygen, often react with other elements to achieve a more stable electron configuration.

Impact on acidity and basicity

Electronegativity plays a role in determining the acidity or basicity of compound. In general, increased electronegativity in an atom increases the acidity of the compound, since the compound can donate a proton and stabilize the resulting negative charge better.

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Why is the electronegativity of an element important?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Definition of electronegativity

Impact on bond type

Effect on chemical reactivity

Impact on acidity and basicity

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