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

4733 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Cracking of the unbranched compound E, C6H14, produced the saturated compound F and an unsaturated compound G (Mr = 42). Identify these compounds and write an equation for the reaction.


How does infrared spectroscopy work and where might you see it used in real life?


What are optical isomers?


Define the term standard electrode potential


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