Electronegativity
Electronegativity is the measure of the ability of an atom within a covalent bond to attract the bonding pair of electrons [1]. Fluorine is the most electronegative element and the values decrease as you move left and down in the periodic table [2]. The electronegativity increases across the period C,N,O and F.
The difference in electronegativity between interacting atoms is important in determining the type of chemical bond between them [3]. For example, covalent bonds are formed when there is little difference in electronegativity values and ionic bonds when there is a large difference in electronegativity.
References
- ↑ http://www.chemguide.co.uk/atoms/bonding/electroneg.html
- ↑ Melvin D. Joesten, John L. Hogg, Mary E. Castellion (2007) 'The World of Chemistry: essentials'. p.92
- ↑ http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/E/Electronegativity.html
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