Could you please explain how electronegativity works and how you find the total electronegativity value of
PO3
K2O
H2S
GIVEN: P- 2.1, O-3.5, K- 0.8, H- 2.1, and S- 2.5
Also how to you tell if the compound is ionic, polar covalent, or non polar covalent?
Thank you!!!
See your post below.
Electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract shared electrons towards itself in a chemical bond. It indicates the relative attraction of an atom for electrons in a bond. The electronegativity scale is based on Linus Pauling's concept, with values ranging from 0.7 to 4.0.
To calculate the total electronegativity of a compound, you add up the electronegativity values of all the atoms involved in the compound.
Let's calculate the total electronegativity values for the given compounds:
1. PO3:
The compound PO3 consists of one phosphorus (P) atom and three oxygen (O) atoms. The electronegativity values for P and O are given as 2.1 and 3.5 respectively. To find the total electronegativity value of PO3, you simply add up the electronegativity values of each atom.
Total electronegativity = (2.1 + 3.5 + 3.5 + 3.5) = 12.6
2. K2O:
The compound K2O consists of two potassium (K) atoms and one oxygen (O) atom. The electronegativity values for K and O are given as 0.8 and 3.5 respectively.
Total electronegativity = (0.8 + 0.8 + 3.5) = 5.1
3. H2S:
The compound H2S consists of two hydrogen (H) atoms and one sulfur (S) atom. The electronegativity values for H and S are given as 2.1 and 2.5 respectively.
Total electronegativity = (2.1 + 2.1 + 2.5) = 6.7
Now, to determine if a compound is ionic, polar covalent, or nonpolar covalent, you compare the electronegativity difference between the atoms involved.
- If the electronegativity difference is large (usually greater than 1.7), it indicates an ionic bond. Ionic compounds involve the transfer of electrons from one atom to another resulting in the formation of ions.
- If the electronegativity difference is moderate (between 0.4 and 1.7), it suggests a polar covalent bond. Polar covalent compounds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms, with one atom having a greater share of electron density.
- If the electronegativity difference is small (usually less than 0.4), it implies a nonpolar covalent bond. Nonpolar covalent compounds involve an equal sharing of electrons between atoms.
Based on the electronegativity values of the elements given, we can classify the compounds:
- PO3 has a total electronegativity of 12.6, indicating moderate electronegativity difference. Therefore, it is likely a polar covalent compound.
- K2O has a total electronegativity of 5.1, implying a large electronegativity difference. It is likely an ionic compound.
- H2S has a total electronegativity of 6.7, suggesting a moderate electronegativity difference. Therefore, it is also likely a polar covalent compound.