what is electronegativity and explain the trend in electronegativity as we go down the group?

Electronegativity is the power of an atom to attract electrons in a covalent bond towards itself. As we go down the group, electronegativity decreases because the atomic radii increases. The atomic radii increases because the number of electron shells increases. The nucleus is further away from the bonding pair of electrons and therefore it is less able to attract it.

Answered by Chemistry tutor

5327 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why is phenol more reactive than benzene?


Explain the trend in ionisation energy down group 2? (3)


Molecules of hydrogen chloride, HCl, and molecules of fluorine, F2, contain the same number of electrons. Hydrogen chloride boils at –85 °C and fluorine boils at –188 °C.Explain why there is a difference in the boiling points of HCl and F2.


What is the acid dissociation constant, Ka of the 0.150 mol dm–3 solution of weak acid HA with pH of 2.34?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning