Pauling's electronegativity values for elements are useful in predicting

Options

A. Polarity of bonds in molecules
B. Positions of elements in electrochemical series
C. Co - ordination number of elements
D. Oxidation number of elements

Answer

To solve the question regarding Pauling's electronegativity values for elements and their usefulness in predicting certain factors, we can analyze each option provided in the question step by step.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Electronegativity**:
- Electronegativity is a measure of the tendency of an atom to attract a bonding pair of electrons. Pauling's scale is one of the most commonly used scales for measuring electronegativity.

2. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Option A: Polarity of Bond**:
- When two atoms form a bond, if they have the same electronegativity, the bond is non-polar (e.g., H-H). If they have different electronegativities, the bond is polar (e.g., H-F). The difference in electronegativity (ΔEN) determines the polarity of the bond.
- **Conclusion**: This option is correct as electronegativity values help predict whether a bond will be polar or non-polar.

- **Option B: Position of Element in the Electrochemical Series**:
- The electrochemical series is based on the standard reduction potentials of elements, which are not directly related to electronegativity. Therefore, this option is incorrect.

- **Option C: Coordination Number of an Element**:
- The coordination number refers to the number of atoms or molecules that are bonded to a central atom. It does not depend on electronegativity, making this option incorrect.

- **Option D: Oxidation Number**:
- The oxidation number indicates the degree of oxidation of an atom in a compound. While oxidation states can be influenced by electronegativity, they are not directly predicted by it. Thus, this option is also incorrect.

3. **Final Conclusion**:
- After analyzing all the options, the only factor that Pauling's electronegativity values are useful in predicting is the **polarity of the bond**. Therefore, the correct answer is **Option A: Polarity of Bond**.