Electronegativity (EN) is a crucial property for predicting the behavior of elements in chemical bon — Periodic Table and Periodicity Chemistry Question
Question
Electronegativity (EN) is a crucial property for predicting the behavior of elements in chemical bonds. Which of the following statements regarding electronegativity are mathematically or conceptually CORRECT?
💡 Solution & Explanation
Statement A is false; electronegativity is a relative, qualitative property in bonded states, unlike IE or EA which are absolute measurable thermodynamic quantities of isolated atoms. B is correct (e.g., $Fe^{3+}$ pulls electrons harder than $Fe^{2+}$). C is correct ($sp$ > $sp^2$ > $sp^3$ because s-orbitals are closer to the nucleus). D is correct; Pauling used bond energies to establish his scale.