Electronegativity
• Electronegativity is the ability of an
atom in a compound to attract
electrons.
• Electronegativity values tend to
decrease from top to bottom and
increase from left to right.
• Which element in each pair has a
higher electronegativity value?
• Mg or Ne
• Mg
• Which element in each pair has a
higher electronegativity value?
• Cl or F
• F
• Which element in each pair has a
higher electronegativity value?
• C or N
• N
• Which element in each pair has a
higher electronegativity value?
• As or Ca
• Ca
• Cs has one of the lowest
electronegativity values.
Valence (outer) electrons may be
transferred from one atom to
another.
Group
Valence elctrons
Resulting charge
1A
Lose 1
1+
2A
Lose 2
2+
3A
Lose 3
3+
5A
Gain3
3-
6A
Gain 2
2-
7A
Gain 1
1-
• What charge would Na likely have in a
compound? _______
• 1+
• What charge would Mg likely have in a
compound? _______
• 2+
• What charge would Al likely have in a
compound? _______
• 3+
• What charge would O likely have in a
compound? _______
• 2• What charge would F likely have in a
compound? _______
• 1-