Predict the bond character between two atoms by calculating their electronegativity difference (ΔEN).
Atom Properties
Calculation Results
Enter Pauling scale values for both atoms to predict the bond type
About this calculator
Overview
Electronegativity is a measure of the tendency of an atom to attract a bonding pair of electrons. The difference in electronegativity (ΔEN) determines how electrons are shared.
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Pro Tips
ΔEN < 0.4: Typically non-polar covalent (equal sharing).
0.4 ≤ ΔEN < 1.7: Typically polar covalent (unequal sharing).
ΔEN ≥ 1.7: Typically ionic (electron transfer).
For borderline cases (1.6-2.0), consider if metals are involved (ionic) or only nonmetals (polar covalent).
Electronegativity values are unitless and relative to other elements.
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Fun Facts
"Fluorine is the most electronegative element (3.98), while Francium is the least (0.7)."
"The Pauling scale was developed by Linus Pauling, the only person to win two unshared Nobel Prizes."
"Noble gases generally lack electronegativity values because they rarely form chemical bonds."
"Electronegativity increases across a period and decreases down a group."
"The electronegativity of oxygen (3.44) is higher than nitrogen (3.04), despite nitrogen being more to the right."
"The concept of electronegativity was first introduced by Pauling in 1932."
"Electronegativity values help predict molecular polarity and chemical reactivity."
Formula: ΔEN = |χ₁ - χ₂|
Electronegativity Across Period 2
Electronegativity increases across a period due to increasing effective nuclear charge
