Question

If ionisation energy of an atom is 10 eV & electron affinity is 6.8 eV, then electronegativity of the atom on Pauling's scale is:

• A. 8
• B. 3
• C. 8.4
• D. 3.4

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

3

Given $IE=10eV$ and $EA=6.8eV$

Mulliken electronegativity which is defined as the average of the ionization energy and electron affinity of an atom (both in eV).

$E{N}_{Mulliken}=\frac{10+6.8}{2}=8.4$

Mullikens electronegativity value is about 2.8 times as large as Paulings electronegativity value.

So, $E{N}_{Pauling}=\frac{8.4}{2.8}=3$