How do electronegativity values change in groups and across periods?
1 Answer
An old mantra:
Explanation:
As you go from left to right n the Periodic Table on the same Period, atomic radii steadily decrease. Protons are being added to the nucleus as
The result? Electronegativity increases. It is no coincidence that the most electronegative elements,
On the other hand, as you descend a Group, you are adding electrons to a new valence shell. The inner shell shields the nuclear charge. Also, the valence shell is farther removed from the nuclear charge. So down the Group, electronegativity decreases.
Remember the definition of electronegativity. Electronegativity is conceived to be the ability of an atom in a chemical bond to polarize electron density towards itself.
