I thought smaller atoms can hold on to their negative charge ions better. If S can hold onto its negative charge better than oxygen, then why is oxygen more elecronegative?
If it helps, the explanation said: "group effect" (Curse those 2-word explanations!!)
I thought smaller atoms can hold on to their negative charge ions better. If S can hold onto its negative charge better than oxygen, then why is oxygen more elecronegative?
If it helps, the explanation said: "group effect" (Curse those 2-word explanations!!)
I think you have the perfect explanation...Since S is a larger atom, the bond it forms with H will be longer; therefore, it will be a 'weaker' bond than the bond H from with O. The weaker H bond will be easily removed.The "group effect" is probably referring to the fact that (as chiddler said), the larger atom will have the more acidic hydrogen when comparing two atoms in the same group. O and S are in the same group, S is larger, therefore its bond with H is longer, therefore the H is more easily donated. Same as HI and HCl.