Electronegativity: IB Chemistry Definition

What is electronegativity?

Electronegativity is a chemical property that refers to the ability of an atom to attract electrons towards itself in a covalent bond. In the context of the IB Chemistry course, it is essential for understanding how atoms interact within molecules. Electronegativity values are often used to predict bond types, with higher differences indicating more polar bonds. Typically, elements like fluorine, oxygen, and nitrogen exhibit high electronegativity, affecting molecular structure and reactivity. Factors influencing electronegativity include atomic number and the distance at which the valence electrons reside from the nucleus. Understanding these concepts helps students explain trends across the periodic table and the resultant chemical behaviour.

Electronegativity Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams

For more information about electronegativity check out the following resources:

• Electronegativity- Revision Notes

• The Covalent Model- Exam Questions

• The Covalent Model- Flashcards

Explore our IB Chemistry Revision Resources.