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Chapter 5: Problem 163

The greater the electronegativity difference between two bonded atoms, the greater the percent character of the bond.

Short Answer

Expert verified
In conclusion, the electronegativity difference between two bonded atoms determines the type of bond formed, which can be classified into three main types: ionic (electronegativity difference greater than 1.7), covalent (electronegativity difference less than 0.4), and polar covalent bonds (electronegativity difference between 0.4 and 1.7). The greater the electronegativity difference, the higher the percent character of the bond, influencing the properties of the resulting compounds.

Step by step solution

01

Introduction

Electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract electrons to itself in a chemical bond. The greater the electronegativity difference between two bonded atoms, the greater the percent of the character of the bond.
02

Understanding Electronegativity and Bond Type

Electronegativity values typically range from 0.7 to 3.98, where alkali metals have the lowest electronegativities and noble gases have higher electronegativities. The electronegativity difference between two bonded atoms determines the type of bond, which can be classified into three main types: ionic, covalent, and polar covalent bonds.
03

Ionic Bonds

When the electronegativity difference between two atoms is quite significant (typically, a difference greater than 1.7), an ionic bond is formed. In an ionic bond, one atom donates its electrons to the other atom to form a positively charged cation and a negatively charged anion. These oppositely charged ions are attracted to each other, resulting in ionic compounds.
04

Covalent Bonds

When the electronegativity difference between two atoms is small or zero (typically, a difference less than 0.4), a covalent bond is formed. In a covalent bond, the atoms share electron pairs, resulting in a stable electron configuration for both atoms. These bonds mostly occur between two non-metallic elements.
05

Polar Covalent Bonds

When the electronegativity difference between two atoms is intermediate (typically, a difference between 0.4 and 1.7), a polar covalent bond is formed. In a polar covalent bond, the atoms share electrons unequally, leading to a partial charge separation where one atom is slightly positive, and the other is slightly negative, making the bond dipole. This type of bond occurs between two different non-metallic elements.
06

Conclusion

In conclusion, the greater the electronegativity difference between two bonded atoms, the higher the percent character of the bond. This relationship allows us to differentiate the bond types - ionic, covalent, and polar covalent bonds - based on the electronegativity differences between the atoms involved in the bond formation. Each bond type has distinct characteristics and influences the properties of the compounds formed in different ways.

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