What does electronegativity measure?

Electronegativity is a fundamental concept in chemistry that quantifies the ability of an atom to attract electrons in a chemical bond. When two atoms form a bond, the more electronegative atom more effectively pulls the shared electrons closer to itself. This tendency impacts the nature of the bond, influencing whether it is ionic or covalent, and can also affect polarity and molecular interactions.

Understanding electronegativity is essential for predicting how atoms interact in compounds and understanding reactivity, bond strength, and molecular structure. This concept is crucial in many areas of chemistry, including organic and inorganic chemistry, as it helps explain reactivity patterns and the behavior of molecules in reactions.

The other choices do not accurately represent what electronegativity measures; instead, they focus on different aspects of atomic properties that are not related to the specific concept of electronegativity.