Elements

Question

Electronegativity

aluminum (Al) 1.61
calcium (Ca) 1
carbon (C) 2.55
chlorine (Cl) 3.16
fluorine (F) 4
hydrogen (H) 2.2
iron (Fe) 1.83
nitrogen (N) 3.04
oxygen (O) 3.44
phosphorus (P) 2.19
potassium (K) 0.82
silicon (Si) 1.9
sulfur (S) 2.58
Use the chart to determine which atom in the
carbon–chlorine bond is assigned the delta negative charge.

A.
carbon atom
B.
chlorine atom
C.
neither atom
D.
both atoms

Answer 1

To determine which atom in the carbon–chlorine bond is assigned the delta negative charge, we need to compare the electronegativities of the two atoms involved in the bond.

• The electronegativity of carbon (C) is 2.55.
• The electronegativity of chlorine (Cl) is 3.16.

Chlorine has a higher electronegativity than carbon, meaning that it attracts the bonding electrons more strongly. In a polar covalent bond, the more electronegative atom will acquire a partial negative charge (δ-) due to its ability to attract the shared electrons.

Therefore, in the carbon–chlorine bond, the chlorine atom is assigned the delta negative charge.

The correct answer is: B. chlorine atom