Chapter 14, Problem 19STP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The electronegativity difference in the compound Li₂O has to be calculated.

Concept Introduction:

The electronegativity of an element is defined as the tendency of an atom in a molecule to attract the shared pair of electrons towards itself. Thus, in a hetero-nuclear bond between two different atoms, the electrons of the bond will shift more towards that atom with higher electronegativity. The higher the electronegativity difference between the two atoms, the higher will be the bond polarity.

Answer to Problem 19STP

The correct answer is C. The bond between Mg and Cl has the greatest polarity.

Explanation of Solution

The higher the electronegativity difference between the two atoms, the higher will be the bond polarity.

From the above table, we get the electronegativity data of the elements. If we calculate the difference in electronegativity, we can find the most polar bond.

1. The electronegativity difference between C and H is 2.55 - 2.20 = 0.35.
2. The electronegativity difference between Si and O is 3.44 -1.90 =1.54.
3. The electronegativity difference between Mg and Cl is 3.16 -1.31 =1.85.
4. The electronegativity difference between Al and N is 3.04 -1.61 =1.43.
5. The electronegativity difference between H and Cl is 3.16 -2.20 =0.96.

From the electronegativity difference value between the two different atoms, we see that the electronegativity difference between Mg and Cl bond is greatest. The bond between Mg and Cl has the greatest polarity.

Conclusion

Reasons for incorrect options:

From the electronegativity difference value between the two different atoms we see that the electronegativity difference between Mg and Cl bond is 1.86 which is greatest among them. The bond between Mg and Cl has the greatest polarity.

Answer is C.

That means other options that is,

A. C-H

B. Si-O

D. Al-N

E. H-Cl are found to be incorrect.