Enter the electronegativity of atom A and atom B into the calculator to determine the electronegativity difference. This calculator can also evaluate any of the variables given the others are known.
Electronegativity Difference Formula
The following formula is used to calculate the electronegativity difference.
ED = |Xa - Xb|
Variables:
- ED is the electronegativity difference
- Xa is the electronegativity of atom A
- Xb is the electronegativity of atom B
To calculate the electronegativity difference, subtract the electronegativity of atom B from the electronegativity of atom A. The absolute value of this difference is the electronegativity difference. This difference is used to determine the type of bond that forms between the two atoms and the polarity of the molecule.
What is an Electronegativity Difference?
Electronegativity difference refers to the disparity in the ability of atoms to attract or bind electrons within a chemical bond. This concept is crucial in determining the type of bond that forms between two atoms in a molecule. If the electronegativity difference is large, an ionic bond forms, while a small difference leads to a covalent bond. This difference also influences the polarity of a molecule, with a larger difference resulting in a more polar molecule.
How to Calculate Electronegativity Difference?
The following steps outline how to calculate the Electronegativity Difference (ED).
- First, determine the electronegativity of atom A (Xa).
- Next, determine the electronegativity of atom B (Xb).
- Next, subtract the electronegativity of atom B from the electronegativity of atom A (ED = Xa - Xb).
- Finally, calculate the Electronegativity Difference (ED).
- After inserting the values of Xa and Xb into the formula and calculating the result, check your answer.
Example Problem:
Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.
Electronegativity of atom A (Xa) = 3.0
Electronegativity of atom B (Xb) = 2.5
