Which would better fit the description of having a relatively high electronegativity and a poor conductor of heat? Mg or Cu? I'm thinking Mg....
Yes I agree
Thanks
electronegativity increases moving left to reight on the periodic table.
To determine which element, magnesium (Mg) or copper (Cu), has a relatively high electronegativity and is a poor conductor of heat, we can follow these steps:
1. Check electronegativity: Electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract electrons towards itself within a chemical bond. We can compare the electronegativity values of Mg and Cu.
- Electronegativity of Mg: around 1.31 (Pauling scale)
- Electronegativity of Cu: around 1.90 (Pauling scale)
Since the electronegativity of Cu (1.90) is higher than that of Mg (1.31), Cu has a relatively higher electronegativity.
2. Evaluate thermal conductivity: Thermal conductivity indicates the ability of a substance to conduct heat. Generally, metals have higher thermal conductivity compared to non-metals.
- Thermal conductivity of Mg: 156 W/(m·K)
- Thermal conductivity of Cu: 401 W/(m·K)
As copper (Cu) has a higher thermal conductivity (401 W/(m·K)) compared to magnesium (Mg) (156 W/(m·K)), copper is a better conductor of heat.
Based on the above information, it seems you are correct in your initial thinking. Magnesium (Mg) would better fit the description of having a relatively high electronegativity and being a poor conductor of heat, whereas copper (Cu) has a higher electronegativity and is a good conductor of heat.