Question

Which term describes tendency of an atom to attract electrons?

• A. Ionic radius
• B. Reactivity
• C. Ionization
• D. Electronegativity

Answer 1

The correct option is D Electronegativity

Electronegativity is a measure of the tendency of an atom to attract a bonding pair of electrons. The Pauling scale is the most commonly used. Fluorine (the most electronegative element) is assigned a value of $4.0$, and values range down to caesium and francium which are the least electronegative at $7.0$.

Thus Electronegativity describes the tendency of an atom to attract electrons.