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

5683 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Briefly discuss Le Chatelier's Principle. Ammonia is made in the Haber Process (3H2(g) + N2(g)<-> 2NH3(g)). Using Le Chetelier's Principal, what happens to the equilibrium yield of ammonia when...: A) Temp increases, B) Press increases C) Catalyst changes


Imagine a reaction A for which the values of ΔH and ΔS are both negative. It is known that the absolute value of ΔS is 3 times smaller than the absolute value of ΔH. For what values of T does reaction A occur spontaneously?


Explain why sulfur deviates from the general trend in ionisation energies across period 3.


Why is benzene more stable than the theoretical model cyclohexa-1,3,5-triene?


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