Group 1A element sodium combines with group 7A element chlorine to form sodium chloride or tabke salt. Based on this information, which expression is true about the electronegativity calues of these two elements?

Question

Olivia Anton · Accepted Answer

Chlorine is more electronegative

This is because electronegativity increases on the periodic table from left to right and down to up. Chlorine has 7 valence electrons and is really close to the octet it longs for. It’s abulity to attract electrons is pretty high, which is why it has a high electronegativity. Chlorine only needs one more electron to achieve a full octet, whereas sodium requires 7. It’s easier for sodium to lose one electron rather than gain 7, and that is why it’s electronegativity is lower, it’s attraction, or want, for electrons is low (because it will require a lot of energy to gain 7 electrons than to lose 1)