Electronegativity

Electronegativity is how well an atom attracts electrons.

This number is on a scale of 1-4, 4 meaning its the most electronegative. It can be easily found on your periodic table!

The 4 most electronegative atoms are: Nitrogen, Oxygen, Fluorine, and Chlorine.

The difference in electronegativity determines the type of bond.

Non polar Covalent Bond: 0.0-0.4

very small difference

electrons are shared evenly

pull strength is similar

Polar Covalent Bond: 0.4-1.7

moderate difference

electrons are shared unevenly

pull strength is uneven

Ionic Bond: 1.7+

very big difference

electrons aretaken from one, given to another (transferred)

pull strength is dominated by one element