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Chapter 8: Problem 11

Discuss the factors affecting electronegativity.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The factors that affect electronegativity include atomic size, charge, and electron configuration. Larger atoms tend to have lower electronegativity as the distance between the nucleus and the bonding electrons increases. Ions with higher charge have higher electronegativity due to the greater force exerted on the bonding electrons. Lastly, atoms with half-filled or fully filled electron shells tend to have lower electronegativity as they already have a stable electron configuration.

Step by step solution

01

Atomic Size

The size of an atom is one of the factors that affect electronegativity. With increasing atomic size or atomic radius, the ability of an atom to attract bonding electrons decreases. This is because as the atomic radius increases, the distance between the nucleus and the valence electrons increases, thereby reducing the force of attraction between them. This leads to a decrease in electronegativity.
02

Charge

Charge is another factor that affects electronegativity. For ions of the same element, the one with the higher charge has the higher electronegativity because the increased nuclear charge exerts a greater force on the bonding electrons.
03

Electron Configuration

The configuration of electrons, particularly those in the outermost shell or energy level, also influences electronegativity. Atoms with half-filled or fully filled shells tend to be more stable and therefore have lower electronegativity. This is because they have a stable electron configuration and do not have a strong tendency to attract additional electrons.

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