Question

question 1 / 10
what does the electronegativity of an atom represent?
a. the total number of electrons in the atoms outermost shell.
b. the atoms ability to attract electrons toward itself within a chemical bond.
c. the net positive or negative charge of the atom after it has formed an ion.
d. the energy required to remove an electron from a neutral atom.

Explanation:

Electronegativity is defined as an atom's ability to attract electrons towards itself within a chemical - bond. Option A describes valence electrons, option C describes ionic charge, and option D describes ionization energy.

Answer:

B. The atom's ability to attract electrons toward itself within a chemical bond.