Question

Electronegativity is not a measurable quantity. The electronegativity of any given element is not constant, it varies depending on the element to which it bound.

• A. If both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
• B. If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
• C. If assertion is true but reason is false.
• D. If both assertion and reason are false.

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

If both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.

Answer 2

Electronegativity of an atom is defined as the tendency to pull the shared pair of electrons in bonded atoms. It is a relative measurement and for any given element, the value of electronegativity is not constant, it varies depending on the element to which it bound. For example: In $H _{2} O$, since $O$ has a higher electron affinity, it has negative oxidation state $(-2)$ and $H$ has $+1$ oxidation state. While in $NaH$, $Na$ being metal has the least affinity for electron and thus $H$ has an oxidation state of $-1$ and $Na$ as $+1$.