Calculated vs Observed Value

[KNguyen_1I]

In lecture, Professor Lavelle said that as opposed to other values regarding periodic trends, electronegativity is a calculated value as opposed to an observed value. What does this mean?

[Paige Lee 1A]

I think he means that the calculations you do based on the periodic table may differ from observed results in an actual experiment in real life

[Jordan Young 2J]

I think it means that electronegativity is value that is calculated through a formula based on other values, whereas other values such as IE, electron affinity, and atomic radius are already found and don't require a formula for calculation.

[Rory Simpson 2F]

Electronegativity is a value that is calculated from an formula. In the textbook section 2D.1, it mentions that the values were first calculated with an expression that determines the differences in electronegativity between bonds by using dissociation energies of that bond. All of the other periodic trends are actual values that are can be experimentally observed, while electronegativity is a calculated measure of the electron attraction ability.

[Pipiena Malafu 3J]

In quick summary, in comparison to other periodic patterns, electronegativity is able to be calculated as elements have set electronegative charges.

[Matt F]

I know we haven't covered it yet, but will we eventually need to know how to calculate electronegativity for a specific element? Or will we just need to know the trend for the table

[DLee_1L]

We might be asked to in order to determine the type of bond, but for now, we only need to know the trend.