Multiple Choice
Which of the following elements has the lowest electronegativity?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
Periodic Trend: Electronegativity
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In a water molecule (H_2O), which atom is more electronegative?
A
Hydrogen
B
Neither atom is electronegative
C
Oxygen
D
Both are equally electronegative
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of electronegativity: Electronegativity is the tendency of an atom to attract shared electrons in a chemical bond.
Recall the electronegativity values of the atoms involved: Oxygen typically has a higher electronegativity value compared to hydrogen.
Compare the electronegativity values: Oxygen's electronegativity is about 3.44, while hydrogen's is about 2.20 on the Pauling scale.
Interpret the difference: Since oxygen has a higher electronegativity, it attracts the bonding electrons in H_2O more strongly than hydrogen does.
Conclude that in a water molecule, oxygen is the more electronegative atom.
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