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Chapter 8: Problem 12

Discuss the application of electronegativity w.r.t. prediction of chemical reactions.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract shared electrons. Its value is useful in predicting the formation of bonding types and thus the products in a chemical reaction. For example, atoms with a large difference in electronegativity will result in ionic compounds, while atoms with similar electronegativities result in covalent compounds.

Step by step solution

01

Defining Electronegativity

Electronegativity is a measure of the tendency of an atom to attract a bonding pair of electrons. It is one of the most important concepts when understanding and predicting chemical reactions.
02

Electronegativity and Bond Type

The difference in electronegativity between two atoms taking part in a chemical reaction determines the type of bond formed. If the electronegativity difference is large, the bond formed is ionic. On the other hand, if the difference is small, the bond is covalent.
03

Predicting Reaction Outcomes

The electronegativity of the atoms involved in a chemical reaction can be used to predict the products of the reaction. If the atoms have significantly different electronegativities, they may form an ionic compound. If their electronegativities are similar, they are likely to form a covalent compound.
04

Example of Electronegativity in Reaction Prediction

Consider a reaction between sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl). Sodium has an electronegativity of 0.93, and chlorine has an electronegativity of 3.16. Because the difference in electronegativity is large, an ionic compound (NaCl) will likely be formed.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Discuss the factors affecting electronegativity.

What are isoelectronic species? Arrange the following in increasing order of atomic size: \(\mathrm{C}^{4-}, \mathrm{N}^{3-}\), \(\mathrm{O}^{2-}, \mathrm{F}^{-}, \mathrm{Ne}\)

Discuss the main characteristics of the long form of the Periodic Table.

What is periodicity? Discuss its cause with the help of suitable examples.

Give reasons for the following: (a) size of a Cation is smaller than its parent atom. (b) Size of an anion is larger than its parent atom. (c) Radius of argon is greater than that of chlorine. (d) Be and Al show similar properties. (e) The first electron affinity of oxygen is positive but the second electron affinity is negative. (f) The difference of atomic size between lithium and beryllum is much greater than between sodium and magnesium.
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