Question

Explain how electronegativity values can help determine the type of bond that is being made between two elements. Why does a higher difference in electronegativity create an ionic bond, and why does a lower difference in electronegativity create a covalent bond?

A) Electronegativity values help determine the bond type by measuring the bond strength.
B) Electronegativity values are irrelevant for determining bond types.
C) Higher electronegativity difference leads to ionic bonds, while lower electronegativity difference results in covalent bonds.
D) Higher electronegativity difference leads to covalent bonds, while lower electronegativity difference results in ionic bonds.

Answer 1

Electronegativity values help determine the bond type based on the difference in electronegativity. Higher electronegativity differences indicate ionic bonds, while lower electronegativity differences indicate covalent bonds.

Step-by-step explanation:

Electronegativity values measure the ability of an atom to attract shared electrons in a bond. When the difference in electronegativity is high, typically above 1.9, it indicates an ionic bond where one atom transfers electrons to the other. On the other hand, when the difference is low, usually below 1.9, it indicates a covalent bond where atoms share electrons. For example, the bond between sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl) in NaCl has a high electronegativity difference of 2.1, resulting in an ionic bond. In contrast, the bond between hydrogen (H) and chlorine (Cl) in HCl has a lower electronegativity difference of 0.9, indicating a covalent bond.