Which of the following atoms has the greatest attraction for bonding electrons? A - Scottish Highers Chemistry - Question 3 - 2017

To determine which atom has the greatest attraction for bonding electrons, we need to consider the concept of electronegativity. Electronegativity is the tendency of an atom to attract electrons in a chemical bond. Using the general trend of electronegativity in the periodic table:

1. Hydrogen (H): Located in Group 1 and has a low electronegativity.
2. Silicon (Si): Located in Group 14, moderate electronegativity.
3. Sulfur (S): Located in Group 16 and has a higher electronegativity than both silicon and hydrogen.
4. Nitrogen (N): Located in Group 15, with a high electronegativity value (approximately 3.0 on the Pauling scale).

Considering these factors, Nitrogen (C) has the greatest attraction for bonding electrons.