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

4699 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What are the redox reactions involving carbonyls?


Why does a catalyst speed up a chemical reaction?


In terms of structure and bonding explain why the boiling point of magnesium is much higher than that of bromine?


Arrange the following elements in order of increasing ionization energy. Give an explanation. a) K, Cs, Na b) F, N, Be


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning