What does electronegativity refer to?

Electronegativity refers to the ability of an atom to attract electrons when it is involved in a chemical bond with another atom. This property is crucial in determining how atoms interact with each other, influencing bond formation, molecular geometry, and the polarity of molecules. Atoms with high electronegativity tend to attract electrons more strongly, leading to a greater share of electron density in a bond. This increased attraction can significantly affect the chemical behavior of a substance, including how it reacts with other elements.

Understanding electronegativity is essential in fields such as chemistry and biochemistry, as it plays a pivotal role in predicting the nature of bonds formed between different elements and the resulting molecular stability and reactivity.