Electronegativity Formula:
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Definition: This calculator estimates the electronegativity of an atom based on its ionization energy and electron affinity.
Purpose: It helps chemists and students understand the tendency of an atom to attract shared electrons in a chemical bond.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The sum of ionization energy and electron affinity is divided by 5.6 to convert to the Pauling scale of electronegativity.
Details: Electronegativity helps predict bond polarity, chemical reactivity, and molecular properties in compounds.
Tips: Enter the ionization energy and electron affinity in electron volts (eV). Both values must be positive numbers.
Q1: Why divide by 5.6 in the formula?
A: The factor 5.6 converts the sum of IE and EA to the Pauling scale, which was empirically determined by Linus Pauling.
Q2: What's a typical electronegativity range?
A: On the Pauling scale, values range from ~0.7 (Cs) to 4.0 (F), with most elements between 1.0-3.0.
Q3: How accurate is this calculation?
A: This provides a good estimate, but experimental electronegativity values may vary slightly.
Q4: Where can I find IE and EA values?
A: These values are available in chemistry reference tables or periodic table databases.
Q5: Can I use kJ/mol instead of eV?
A: No, this formula requires values in electron volts (eV). Convert kJ/mol to eV by dividing by 96.485.