Electronegativity Examples in Chemistry

Start with the recap, study the fully worked examples, then use the practice problems to check your understanding of Electronegativity.

This page combines explanation, solved examples, and follow-up practice so you can move from recognition to confident problem-solving in Chemistry.

Concept Recap

A measure of how strongly an atom attracts the shared electrons in a covalent bond toward itself.

How 'greedy' an atom is for electrons. Fluorine is most greedy.

Read the full concept explanation →

How to Use These Examples

  • Read the first worked example with the solution open so the structure is clear.
  • Try the practice problems before revealing each solution.
  • Use the related concepts and background knowledge badges if you feel stuck.

What to Focus On

Core idea: Electronegativity differences between bonded atoms determine whether a bond is polar or nonpolar.

Common stuck point: Large difference → ionic bond. Small difference → nonpolar covalent. Medium → polar covalent.

Worked Examples

Example 1

easy
Arrange the following elements in order of increasing electronegativity: Na, Cl, F, O.

Solution

  1. 1
    Electronegativity increases across a period (left to right) and up a group (bottom to top).
  2. 2
    Na (Group 1, Period 3) is least electronegative. Cl (Group 17, Period 3) is more.
  3. 3
    O (Group 16, Period 2) is higher still. F (Group 17, Period 2) is the most electronegative element.
  4. 4
    Order: Na < Cl < O < F.

Answer

\text{Na} < \text{Cl} < \text{O} < \text{F}
Electronegativity measures an atom's ability to attract shared electrons in a bond. Fluorine is the most electronegative element at 4.0 on the Pauling scale.

Example 2

medium
In the molecule HF, the electronegativity of H is 2.1 and F is 4.0. Describe the bond polarity and indicate the direction of the dipole.

Practice Problems

Try these problems on your own first, then open the solution to compare your method.

Example 1

easy
Which bond is more polar: H–Cl or H–Br? (EN values: H = 2.1, Cl = 3.0, Br = 2.8)

Example 2

medium
Which bond is more polar, C–H or O–H? Use these electronegativity values: C = 2.5, H = 2.1, O = 3.5.
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Background Knowledge

These ideas may be useful before you work through the harder examples.

covalent bond