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Electronegativity
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How does electronegativity influence the polarity of a bond between two atoms?

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Choose the Best Answer

A

Higher electronegativity in one atom leads to unequal sharing of electrons.

B

Electronegativity has no effect on bond polarity.

C

Electronegativity affects the size of the atoms involved in the bond.

D

All atoms in a molecule have the same electronegativity.

Understanding the Answer

Let's break down why this is correct

Answer

Electronegativity tells us how strongly an atom pulls shared electrons toward itself. When two atoms form a bond, the one with the higher electronegativity pulls the shared electrons closer, leaving the other atom slightly positive and the first slightly negative. This unequal sharing creates a dipole moment, making the bond polar. For example, in a water molecule, oxygen’s higher electronegativity pulls electrons toward itself, giving oxygen a partial negative charge and hydrogen a partial positive charge, which makes the O‑H bond polar.

Detailed Explanation

Electronegativity is a measure of how strongly an atom pulls electrons (how much it wants them). Other options are incorrect because Some think electronegativity doesn’t affect polarity; It is easy to think electronegativity changes an atom’s size.

Key Concepts

Electronegativity
Bond Polarity
Chemical Reactivity
Topic

Electronegativity

Difficulty

medium level question

Cognitive Level

understand

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How does electronegativity influence the formation of ionic and covalent bonds in molecules?

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Arrange 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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How does electronegativity influence the formation of ionic and covalent bonds in molecules?

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How does the trend of electronegativity across periods and groups influence the polarity of bonds in compounds?

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Question 7

Arrange 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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