Q.Explain the factors that affect electronegativity.
You're viewing a preview — the full solution, concept, methods & PYQ mapping are locked.
Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →Electronegativity rises with smaller atomic size, higher effective nuclear charge, and more s-character in bonding orbitals; it falls as shielding/number of shells increases.
Factors affecting electronegativity:
-
Atomic size: Smaller atoms have their nucleus closer to the bonding electron pair, so they attract shared electrons more strongly, giving a higher electronegativity. Electronegativity therefore generally increases across a period (as size decreases) and decreases down a group (as size increases).
-
Effective nuclear charge: A higher effective nuclear charge (the net positive pull felt by outer electrons, after accounting for shielding) increases the atom's ability to attract a bonded electron pair, increasing electronegativity.
-
Screening (shielding) effect: Inner-shell electrons shield the nucleus's pull on outer/bonding electrons. More inner shells (going down a group) means greater shielding, which weakens the nucleus's grip on the shared pair and lowers electronegativity.
…
Unlock everything free for 14 days
- Full step-by-step solutions
- Concept-first explanations
- Methods, shortcuts & mistakes
- PYQ mapping + timed mock tests
Full access for 14 days. No credit card required.