Definition:
The ability of an atom to gain bonding pairs of electrons.
Trends:
Electronegativity decreases down a group. This is because as atoms get larger, they have a largely unfilled valence shell, making it harder for the protons to pull in electrons.
Electronegativity increases across a period. This is because as atoms get smaller, the valence shell is mostly closed, making it easier for protons to pull in electrons.
Extra:
If two atoms bond together and have different measures of electronegativity, they form a nonpolar covalent, polar covalent, or ionic bond to obtain neutrality.
If the difference is 0 to .4, the atoms form a nonpolar covalent bond, where they equally share electrons with no charges
If the difference is .4 to 2.0, the atoms form a polar covalent bond, where one atom pulls the electrons closer to itself when the electrons are being shared. This creates a partially negative and partially positive charge (higher electronegativity gets partially negative charge)
If the difference is 2.0 to 3.3, the atoms form an ionic bond, meaning the electrons are transferred from one atom to another
The ability of an atom to gain bonding pairs of electrons.
Trends:
Electronegativity decreases down a group. This is because as atoms get larger, they have a largely unfilled valence shell, making it harder for the protons to pull in electrons.
Electronegativity increases across a period. This is because as atoms get smaller, the valence shell is mostly closed, making it easier for protons to pull in electrons.
Extra:
If two atoms bond together and have different measures of electronegativity, they form a nonpolar covalent, polar covalent, or ionic bond to obtain neutrality.
If the difference is 0 to .4, the atoms form a nonpolar covalent bond, where they equally share electrons with no charges
If the difference is .4 to 2.0, the atoms form a polar covalent bond, where one atom pulls the electrons closer to itself when the electrons are being shared. This creates a partially negative and partially positive charge (higher electronegativity gets partially negative charge)
If the difference is 2.0 to 3.3, the atoms form an ionic bond, meaning the electrons are transferred from one atom to another