Chart depicting the electronegativity differences of atoms, including definitions and examples of ionic and covalent bonding in the context of electronegativity.

1. Difference in Electronegativity Affects the Bond Type
Electronegativity differences between bonding elements is used to predict the bond type.
H2 – Electronegativity difference = 2.20 – 2.20 = 0 so a Covalent bond is formed.
HF – Electronegativity difference = 4.00 – 0.96 = 3.04 so an Ionic bond is formed
ELECTRONEGATIVITY DIFFERENCE
Ionic Bonds
• Held together by
electrical attraction
•Strong; hard to break
Covalent Bonds
• Held together by
shared electrons
• Not as strong