Anand Classes provides a detailed explanation of the difference between electron gain enthalpy and electronegativity, covering their definitions, properties, measurable units, and variations. This study material is designed for Class 11 Chemistry, JEE, and NEET students to understand periodic properties and bond formation more effectively. Click the print button to download study material and notes.
Difference Between Electron Gain Enthalpy and Electronegativity
| Point of Difference | Electron Gain Enthalpy | Electronegativity |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Definition | It is the tendency of an isolated gaseous atom to attract an extra electron. | It is the tendency of an atom in a molecule to attract the shared pair of electrons. |
| 2. Nature | It is the property of isolated atoms. | It is the property of bonded atoms. |
| 3. Type of Measure | It represents the absolute electron-attracting power of an atom. | It represents the relative electron-attracting power of an atom. |
| 4. Measurement | It can be measured experimentally. | It cannot be measured directly; it is expressed only as a relative scale (e.g., Pauling scale). |
| 5. Units | Expressed in kJ mol⁻¹ or eV/atom. | Has no units; only dimensionless numbers on different scales. |
| 6. Constancy | The electron gain enthalpy of an element is nearly constant. | Electronegativity of an atom is not constant; it varies with oxidation state, hybridization, and attached substituents. |
Q1. What is electron gain enthalpy?
Answer: Electron gain enthalpy is the energy change that occurs when an isolated gaseous atom gains an extra electron to form an anion. It shows the absolute tendency of an atom to accept electrons.
Q2. What is electronegativity?
Answer: Electronegativity is the tendency of a bonded atom in a molecule to attract the shared pair of electrons towards itself. It is a relative value and not an absolute quantity.
Q3. How are electron gain enthalpy and electronegativity different?
Answer: Electron gain enthalpy is a measurable property with units (kJ mol⁻¹ or eV/atom), while electronegativity has no units and is only expressed on scales like Pauling’s or Mulliken’s. Also, electron gain enthalpy applies to isolated atoms, whereas electronegativity applies to bonded atoms.
Q4. Can both electron gain enthalpy and electronegativity be constant?
Answer: No, electron gain enthalpy of an atom is constant, but electronegativity varies with oxidation state, hybridization, and the type of substituents attached to the atom.
Q5. Which property is more useful for predicting bond polarity?
Answer: Electronegativity is more useful for predicting bond polarity, since it directly relates to how strongly atoms in a molecule attract shared electrons.
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