Uploaded February 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Here's why nitrogen (N) is more electronegative than carbon (C).
The extra proton in nitrogen’s nucleus increases its effective nuclear charge (Zeff), creating a stronger pull on electrons. That’s why nitrogen has a higher electronegativity than carbon, even though they’re in the same period and have the same number of energy levels.
Because nitrogen is more electronegative, it attracts electrons more strongly in bonds. This affects bond polarity, reactivity, and even the structure of molecules.
Here's why nitrogen (N) is more electronegative than carbon (C).
The extra proton in nitrogen’s nucleus increases its effective nuclear charge (Zeff), creating a stronger pull on electrons. That’s why nitrogen has a higher electronegativity than carbon, even though they’re in the same period and have the same number of energy levels.
Because nitrogen is more electronegative, it attracts electrons more strongly in bonds. This affects bond polarity, reactivity, and even the structure of molecules.










