Question Error Report

Thank you for reporting, we will resolve it shortly

Back to Question

Q. Assertion : Electronegativity is not a measurable quantity.
Reason: The electronegativity of any given element is not constant, it varies depending on the element to which it bound.

Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties

Solution:

Electronegativity of an atom is defined as the tendency to pull the shared pair of electrons in bonded atoms.
It is a relative measurement and for any given element, the value of electronegativity is not constant, it varies depending on the element to which it bound.
For example: In $H _{2} O$, since $O$ has a higher electron affinity, it has negative oxidation state $(-2)$ and $H$ has $+1$ oxidation state. While in $NaH$, $Na$ being metal has the least affinity for electron and thus $H$ has an oxidation state of $-1$ and $Na$ as $+1$.