Use what you know about electronegativity to predict the relative strength of the bond between Ca (Calcium Oxide) and NiO (Nickel II Oxide). Which is stronger and how can you predict this?
To predict the relative strength of the bond between Ca (calcium oxide) and NiO (nickel II oxide) based on electronegativity, we need to compare the electronegativities of the participating elements.
Electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract electrons towards itself in a chemical bond. Generally, atoms with higher electronegativity values have a stronger pull on electrons, creating a more polar or ionic bond.
Comparing the electronegativities of calcium (Ca) and nickel (Ni), we find that calcium has an electronegativity value of 1.00, while nickel has an electronegativity value of 1.91 (on the Pauling scale).
Since the electronegativity difference between the two elements is relatively small (0.91), it suggests that the bond formed between Ca and O in calcium oxide is predominantly ionic. Calcium has a lower electronegativity, indicating it will donate its valence electrons to oxygen, resulting in the formation of Ca2+ and O2- ions, which then combine to form the compound CaO. This ionic bond tends to be relatively strong due to the attraction between oppositely charged ions.
On the other hand, comparing the electronegativities of nickel (Ni) and oxygen (O), we find a larger electronegativity difference of 0.91. This suggests that the bond formed between Ni and O in nickel II oxide may have a more covalent character, where electrons are shared between atoms. The stronger electronegativity of nickel indicates that nickel has a better ability to attract the shared electron pair towards itself.
Therefore, based on electronegativity, it can be predicted that the bond between Ca and O in calcium oxide is stronger than the bond in NiO (nickel II oxide).