What is electronegativity, and what are the trends in the periodic table?

Answer 1

Hello,

Lina A. has correctly provided the definition of electronegativity. Here is a graph showing how electronegativity changes as a function of atomic number. It demonstrates the fact that the highest electronegativities occur in the upper right region, especially N, O, F and Cl.

I can't insert the graphic showing the change in electronegativity as a function of where an element rests of the periodic table, due to space limitation. The link is: http://physicalsciencetext.weebly.com/93---electronegativity.html

These trends in electronegativity are due to the arrangment of atomic orbitals and how close they are to having a complete valence shell of electrons. Flourine is close to having a filled valence shell of 8 electrons, since it has 7 already (2s²2p⁵). Adding 1 more electron would fill the 2 energy level. Note the dramatic decrease in electronegativity of neon (Ne) just next to F. Fluorine will attract any electron to achieve a similar outer shell of electrons, so it has a high electronegativity (it will readily steal an electron). The peaks and valleys as one moves across the periodic table can be explained by the filling of electron orbitals to achieve lower energy states.

Answer 2

Electronegativity is the tendency for electrons to hang out around or cluster around a certain type of element on the periodic table, group 6 and 7 elements (especially the ones nearer to the top) are found to be rather electronegative like Oxygen and Chlorine. Electronegativity increases up a group and to the right on the periodic table. The noble gases (group 8) do not count as much because they kinda like to be on thier own. So the elements like Florine, Oxygen and Chlorine are elements that display great electronegativity.

When in covalent bonds especially, these atoms tend to "hog" the electrons more than the other element within the molecule. A great example of this is water with H2O where Oxygen has the electrons more centered around its self verses where the Hydrogen ions are concerned and this can create a dipole or a polarity within the molecule H2O.

Answer 3

Electronegativity is defined as: the ability of an atom to attract or hold electronic in a bond close to itself. (Think of them as being selfish and 'electron hogs')

You will see that as you move from left to right in a row, and bottom to top in the columns, the elements become more electronegative. That is also where you will find Fluorine, Oxygen, and Nitrogen, which are deemed the most electronegative elements respectively.