Physics – 5.1.1 The atom | e-Consult
5.1.1 The atom (1 questions)
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Electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract electrons in a chemical bond. Elements with high electronegativity tend to gain electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, forming anions. Elements with low electronegativity tend to lose electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, forming cations. The electronegativity difference between two atoms determines the type of bond that will form between them.
Table: Electronegativity and Ion Formation
| Group | Electronegativity (Pauling Scale) | Ion Formation |
| Alkali Metals (Group 1) | 0.1 - 1.1 | Alkali metals have low electronegativity and readily lose one electron to form +1 cations (e.g., Na+, K+). |
| Halogens (Group 17) | 2.1 - 3.9 | Halogens have high electronegativity and readily gain one electron to form -1 anions (e.g., Cl-, Br-). |