OCR A-Level Chemistry Periodic table, elements and physical chemistry (01), November 2021: Question 1

1 mark · Easy difficulty · Multiple Choice

Identify the correct definition of electronegativity from the given multiple-choice options.

Practise this question

Question

Multiple-choice question 1 asking which statement describes electronegativity, with four options A to D: A is a measure of the reactivity of an element, B is the ability of an atom to attract an electron to become a 1- ion, C is the attraction of a bonded atom for the electrons in a covalent bond, and D is the attraction of an atom for a lone pair of electrons.
Question text

1 Which statement describes electronegativity?

A A measure of the reactivity of an element.

B The ability of an atom to attract an electron to become a 1– ion.

C The attraction of a bonded atom for the electrons in a covalent bond.

D The attraction of an atom for a lone pair of electrons.

Your answer [1]

Mark scheme

Show the mark scheme Mark scheme table showing question 1 has the correct answer C, worth 1 mark under assessment objective AO1.1.

Question Answer Marks AO element Guidance

1 C 1 AO1.1

How to answer it

Defining Electronegativity

OCR A-Level Chemistry • Multiple Choice Question

What this question tests

This question assesses your precise recall and understanding of key chemical terminology (Assessment Objective 1.1). Specifically, it tests your ability to distinguish the definition of electronegativity from related concepts like electron affinity and ionisation energy.

Question 1

Which statement describes electronegativity?

✅ Correct Answer: C

The attraction of a bonded atom for the electrons in a covalent bond.

This is the standard, exact OCR definition for electronegativity. It specifically highlights that the atom must be part of a covalent bond sharing a pair of electrons.

💡 Key Knowledge

  • Electronegativity depends on nuclear charge, atomic radius, and shielding.
  • Measured commonly using the Pauling scale (where Fluorine is the most electronegative element at 4.0).
  • It creates permanent dipoles in covalent bonds when two atoms of different electronegativities are bonded.

🧠 Exam Technique

In definitions questions, look out for precise phrasing. Words like "bonded atom" and "covalent bond" are the non-negotiable keywords examiners look for. Do not confuse it with isolated gaseous atoms.

❌ Common Errors & Distractor Analysis

  • B describes electron affinity (gaining an electron to form a negative ion).
  • A is far too vague and non-specific.
  • D confuses electronegativity with dative covalent (coordinate) bonding or Lewis basicity (accepting lone pairs).
Mark Allocation: 1 mark available for selecting option C. (AO1.1 - Knowledge and Understanding)

Topics

Module 2: Foundations in chemistry · 2.2 Electrons, bonding and structure

Question and mark scheme from the OCR A-Level Chemistry examination, Periodic table, elements and physical chemistry (01), November 2021. QuestionVault is an independent revision resource; questions remain the copyright of the awarding body.