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 pair of atoms has the greatest difference in electronegativity.

A.
Ca – Cl
B.
H – Cl
C.
Fe – Cl
D.
P – Cl

Answer 1

To determine which pair of atoms has the greatest difference in electronegativity, we need to calculate the electronegativity difference for each option:

A. Ca – Cl \( |1 - 3.16| = 2.16 \)

B. H – Cl \( |2.2 - 3.16| = 0.96 \)

C. Fe – Cl \( |1.83 - 3.16| = 1.33 \)

D. P – Cl \( |2.19 - 3.16| = 0.97 \)

Now, let's compare the differences:

• Ca – Cl: 2.16
• H – Cl: 0.96
• Fe – Cl: 1.33
• P – Cl: 0.97

The pair with the greatest difference in electronegativity is A. Ca – Cl with a difference of 2.16.