An unknown element has a first ionization energy of and an electron affinity of . If the Pauling ele — Periodic Table and Periodicity Chemistry Question
Question
An unknown element $X$ has a first ionization energy of $13.0 \text{ eV/atom}$ and an electron affinity of $3.8 \text{ eV/atom}$. If the Pauling electronegativity is empirically related to the Mulliken electronegativity by $X_P = X_M / 2.8$, what is the exact Pauling electronegativity of element $X$?
Answer: 3
💡 Solution & Explanation
First, calculate the Mulliken electronegativity ($X_M$), which is the average of IE and EA in eV: $X_M = \frac{13.0 + 3.8}{2} = 8.4$. Next, convert this to the Pauling scale: $X_P = \frac{8.4}{2.8} = 3.0$.
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