Ionic vs Covalent Bonds and Electronegativity

[806142023]

Should we memorize that electronegativity chart Dr. Lavelle showed in class on Friday, or is there another way to determine if something is a molecule (ie. covalent bonds) or salt (ie. ionic bonds)?

[Varsha 1G]

You do not need to memorize the electronegativity chart shown in lecture, but just remember the general electronegativity trends. In general, electronegativity increases as you move left to right across a period and decreases as you go down a group. Also know the F is the most electronegative element. In terms of knowing if a compound is a covalent or ionic compound, be sure to look at electronegativity differences and also consider there relative location on the periodic table. Covalent bonds usually occur between 2 nonmetals while ionic bonds are between a metal and a nonmetal.

[Fiana Tang 1L]

I think Lavelle said not to memorize the individual values, but to know the overall trend of electronegativity. In general, a metal and nonmetal forms ionic bonds and a nonmetal and nonmetal forms covalent bonds.