Question

Electronegativity values for elements are useful in predicting:

• A. Bond energy of a molecule
• B. Polarity of a molecule
• C. Nature of an oxide
• D. All

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

Electronegativity values for elements are useful in predicting the following
(A) The bond energy of a molecule: More is the electronegativity difference between two atoms, more polar is the bond. Higher is the ionic character, higher will be the bond energy.
(B) The polarity of a molecule: More is the electronegativity difference between two atoms, more is the ionic character of the bond and more polar is the compound.
(C) Nature of an oxide: Difference in electronegativity between oxygen and element A predicts the nature of oxides formed by the element.
(a) If the difference is large, the oxide is basic (eg $N{a}_{2}O$)
(b) If the difference is small, the oxide is acidic (eg $S{O}_2$).