When electrons move closer to a more electronegative atom, which of the following occurs?

• A. The atom gains a partial positive charge.
• B. The atom loses its ability to form covalent bonds.
• C. The atom gains a partial negative charge.
• D. The atom becomes less reactive.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of electronegativity: it is the tendency of an atom to attract electrons towards itself in a chemical bond.
2. When electrons move closer to a more electronegative atom, that atom gains electron density, which means it acquires a partial negative charge (denoted as \(\delta^-\)).
3. Conversely, the atom losing electron density will have a partial positive charge (denoted as \(\delta^+\)).
4. This partial charge separation leads to a polar covalent bond, where electrons are not shared equally between atoms.
5. Therefore, the correct interpretation is that the more electronegative atom gains a partial negative charge, not a positive charge or loss of bonding ability.