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Electronegativity Calculator

Electronegativity Calculator

Calculate electronegativity difference and predict bond type between elements

Calculate Electronegativity & Bond Type

Electronegativity: 0.93

Electronegativity: 3.16

Electronegativity Analysis Results

2.23
Electronegativity Difference (ΔEN)
Ionic Bond

Bond Properties

Bond Type: Ionic
Polarity: Highly polar
Bond Strength: Strong
Electron Distribution: Unequal sharing - electrons transferred

Element Values

Sodium: 0.93
Chlorine: 3.16
Difference: |0.93 - 3.16| = 2.23

Bond Characteristics

Complete electron transfer
Formation of ions (cations and anions)
Strong electrostatic attraction
High melting and boiling points
Conducts electricity when dissolved
Generally soluble in polar solvents

Bond Type Classification

Nonpolar Covalent: ΔEN < 0.4 (equal sharing)
Polar Covalent: 0.4 ≤ ΔEN < 2.0 (unequal sharing)
Ionic: ΔEN ≥ 2.0 (electron transfer)
Formula: ΔEN = |χ₁ - χ₂|

Example: Sodium Chloride (NaCl)

Given Information

Sodium (Na): Electronegativity = 0.93

Chlorine (Cl): Electronegativity = 3.16

Compound: Sodium chloride (table salt)

Calculation

ΔEN = |χ(Cl) - χ(Na)|

ΔEN = |3.16 - 0.93|

ΔEN = 2.23

Since ΔEN ≥ 2.0 → Ionic Bond

Result Analysis

• Na loses electron → Na⁺ (cation)

• Cl gains electron → Cl⁻ (anion)

• Strong electrostatic attraction

• Forms crystalline structure

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Electronegativity Extremes

Most Electronegative
Fluorine (F)
3.98
Strongest electron attraction
Least Electronegative
Francium (Fr)
0.7
Weakest electron attraction

Periodic Trends

Increases across periods (left to right)

Decreases down groups (top to bottom)

Highest in top-right corner (F)

Lowest in bottom-left corner (Fr)

Bond Types

Nonpolar Covalent
ΔEN < 0.4
H-H, C-C, O=O
Polar Covalent
0.4 ≤ ΔEN < 2.0
H-F, C-O, N-H
Ionic
ΔEN ≥ 2.0
Na-Cl, Ca-F, K-Br

Understanding Electronegativity

What is Electronegativity?

Electronegativity is the tendency of an atom to attract electrons toward itself when it forms a chemical bond. It's a dimensionless property that helps predict how electrons are distributed in chemical bonds and determines the type of bond that will form between atoms.

Key Factors:

  • Atomic number: More protons = stronger attraction
  • Atomic radius: Smaller atoms = stronger attraction
  • Nuclear charge: Effective nuclear charge
  • Electron shielding: Inner electrons reduce attraction

Pauling Scale

Scale Properties

The most common electronegativity scale, developed by Linus Pauling, ranges from 0.7 to 4.0.

Reference Points

Fluorine (3.98) is the highest, Francium (0.70) is the lowest.

Noble Gases

Assigned value of 0 (except for Xenon and Krypton compounds).

Applications and Importance

Bond Prediction

Predicts whether atoms will form ionic, polar covalent, or nonpolar covalent bonds.

Molecular Polarity

Determines if molecules have dipole moments and polar characteristics.

Chemical Reactions

Helps predict reaction mechanisms and electron flow in organic chemistry.

Solubility

Predicts solubility patterns - "like dissolves like" principle.

Acid-Base Behavior

Influences acidity and basicity of compounds.

Material Properties

Affects melting points, boiling points, and electrical conductivity.

Electronegativity vs. Related Concepts

Electronegativity vs. Electron Affinity

Electronegativity: Attraction for electrons in bonds

Electron Affinity: Energy released when adding an electron

Related but different: EA measures energy, EN measures tendency

Electronegativity vs. Ionization Energy

Electronegativity: Attraction for bonding electrons

Ionization Energy: Energy to remove an electron

Similar trends: Both increase across periods, decrease down groups

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