Why do xenon/krypton have relatively high electronegativity

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    Electronegativity
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the relatively high electronegativity of xenon and krypton compared to other noble gases. Participants explore the underlying reasons for this phenomenon, touching on theoretical and conceptual aspects of electronegativity within the context of noble gases.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question what distinguishes xenon and krypton from other noble gases in terms of electronegativity.
  • One participant suggests that the lack of satisfactory answers online may indicate that the question remains unresolved.
  • Another participant emphasizes that science primarily addresses "how" rather than "why," suggesting that explanations for electronegativity may be speculative.
  • A participant points out that electronegativity generally decreases down a group in the periodic table.
  • There is a claim that noble gases do not possess electronegativity, while another participant argues that they do, referencing Mulliken's electronegativity derived from electron affinities and ionization energies.
  • A link is provided to a Reddit discussion that may offer further insights into the question of electronegativity in noble gases.
  • A participant seeks clarification on the correctness of the information presented in the linked Reddit post.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether noble gases have electronegativity and the factors influencing it. There is no consensus on the reasons for the observed electronegativity in xenon and krypton, and the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Some statements rely on specific definitions of electronegativity, and the discussion includes references to various models and measurements that may not be universally accepted. The exploration of the topic is limited by the participants' varying interpretations of the concept.

psuedoben
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what sets xenon and krypton apart from the other noble gasses that enables them to have higher electronegativites?
 
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haha thanks for the attempt, i too am familiar with google, but i still haven't found any satisfying answers simply through typing it in on the web.
 
Well the fact is that we as a species still have much to learn, for there are many things that we don't know. So if you can't find an answer, maybe it has not been solved yet...
 
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Alexi-dono said:
So if you can't find an answer, maybe it has not been solved yet...

Or, more likely, the only acceptable answer is "that's what you get when you measure/calculate, possible explanations are too handwavy to make sense".

Please remember that science doesn't answer question "why?". Science answers question "how?". We sometimes try to explain "why" using our knowledge about "how", but it is always a risky business.
 
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Um, but the EN of the noble gases decreases down the table!
 
Noble gases do not have electro negativity. But E.N decreases down a group and increases left to right across a period. Can you give reference for your question?
 
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Yeah, okay, is that answer explained in link on post #8 correct?
 

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