NEET-XI-Chemistry
04: Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
- #17Define electronegativity. How does it differ from electron gain enthalpy?
Ans : Electronegativity is the ability of an atom in a chemical compound to attract a bond pair of electrons towards itself.
Electronegativity of any given element is not constant. It varies according to the element to which it is bound. It is not a measurable quantity. It is only a relative number.
On the other hand, electron gain enthalpy is the enthalpy change that takes place when an electron is added to a neutral gaseous atom to form an anion. It can be negative or positive depending upon whether the electron is added or removed. An element has a constant value of the electron gain enthalpy that can be measured experimentally.