Learning Path
Question & Answer1
Understand Question2
Review Options3
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Explore TopicChoose the Best Answer
A
They attract shared electrons more strongly than less electronegative elements.
B
They have a larger atomic size, which affects bond length.
C
They are usually nonmetals, which do not share electrons evenly.
D
They have a higher atomic mass, influencing bond strength.
Understanding the Answer
Let's break down why this is correct
Answer
When two atoms share electrons, the atom with the higher electronegativity pulls the shared electrons closer to itself, creating a partial negative charge on that atom and a partial positive charge on the other. This unequal sharing makes the bond polar covalent, because the electrons are not shared equally. The greater the difference in electronegativity, the stronger the pull and the more pronounced the partial charges. For example, in hydrogen chloride (HCl), chlorine’s high electronegativity draws the electron pair toward itself, leaving hydrogen slightly positive and chlorine slightly negative. Thus, atoms with higher electronegativity naturally form polar covalent bonds with less electronegative partners.
Detailed Explanation
An element with higher electronegativity pulls shared electrons more toward itself. Other options are incorrect because Atomic size mainly affects how far atoms can reach each other, but it does not determine how strongly they attract electrons; The fact that an element is a nonmetal does not automatically mean its bonds are uneven.
Key Concepts
Electronegativity
Chemical Bonding
Polarity
Topic
Electronegativity
Difficulty
easy level question
Cognitive Level
understand
Practice Similar Questions
Test your understanding with related questions
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Question 1Which of the following elements has the highest electronegativity?
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Question 2Which element is expected to have the highest electronegativity based on periodic trends, and how does this affect its bonding behavior?
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Question 3How does electronegativity influence the formation of ionic and covalent bonds in molecules?
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Question 4Arrange the following steps in the correct order to explain the concept of electronegativity and its impact on chemical bonding: A) Electronegativity values determine the polarity of bonds, B) Atoms with higher electronegativity attract shared electrons more strongly, C) The difference in electronegativity values between two atoms can predict bond type, D) Electronegativity trends can be observed across the periodic table.
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Question 5Which of the following elements has the highest electronegativity?
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Question 6Which element is expected to have the highest electronegativity based on periodic trends, and how does this affect its bonding behavior?
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Question 7How does electronegativity influence the formation of ionic and covalent bonds in molecules?
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Question 8Why do elements with higher electronegativity tend to form polar covalent bonds?
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Question 9Arrange the following steps in the correct order to explain the concept of electronegativity and its impact on chemical bonding: A) Electronegativity values determine the polarity of bonds, B) Atoms with higher electronegativity attract shared electrons more strongly, C) The difference in electronegativity values between two atoms can predict bond type, D) Electronegativity trends can be observed across the periodic table.
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