Electronegativity Difference and Bond Type

Front

What is electronegativity?

Back

Electronegativity is a measure of the tendency of an atom to attract a bonding pair of electrons. It is a key factor in determining the type of bond that will form between atoms.

Front

What is the electronegativity difference that indicates an ionic bond?

Back

An electronegativity difference greater than 1.7 typically indicates an ionic bond.

Front

What is the electronegativity difference that indicates a polar covalent bond?

Back

An electronegativity difference between 0.4 and 1.7 typically indicates a polar covalent bond.

Front

What is the electronegativity difference that indicates a non-polar covalent bond?

Back

An electronegativity difference of less than 0.4 typically indicates a non-polar covalent bond.

Front

What type of bond does CuF form?

Back

CuF forms an ionic bond due to the high electronegativity difference between copper and fluorine.

Front

What type of bond does HCl form?

Back

HCl forms a polar covalent bond due to the difference in electronegativity between hydrogen and chlorine.

Front

What type of bond does H2 form?

Back

H2 forms a non-polar covalent bond as both hydrogen atoms have the same electronegativity.

Front

How do you determine the type of bond between two elements?

Back

To determine the type of bond, calculate the electronegativity difference between the two elements and refer to the ranges for ionic, polar covalent, and non-polar covalent bonds.

Front

What is the electronegativity of nitrogen (N)?

Back

The electronegativity of nitrogen is approximately 3.0 on the Pauling scale.

Front

What is the electronegativity of fluorine (F)?

Back

Fluorine has the highest electronegativity value of approximately 4.0 on the Pauling scale.