Question

Which pair of atoms has the highest electronegativity difference?

Answer 1

The best way to accurately determine the pair with the highest electronegativity difference is by using their corresponding electronegativity values. For the each of the choices, the difference is:

A. H-S = 2.5 - 2.1 = 0.4
B. H-Cl = 3 - 2.1 = 0.9
C. N-H = 3 - 2.1 = 0.9
D. O-H = 3.5 - 2.1 = 1.4
E. C-H = 2.5 - 2.1 = 0.4

As show, D. has the highest difference. Without looking at their values, you can also determine the pair with the highest difference by taking note of the trend of electronegativity on the periodic table. Electronegativity increases as you go right a group and up a period. This makes oxygen the most electronegative element among the other elements paired with hydrogen.