Final answer:
When atoms share electrons, the atom's ability to attract those shared electrons is known as its electronegativity. It's essential in determining the type of bond and bond polarity.
Step-by-step explanation:
When atoms share electrons, the electrical attraction of an atom for the shared electrons is called the atom's electronegativity. Electronegativity is the ability of an atom in a molecule to attract shared electrons to itself and it plays a crucial role in determining the type of bond that forms between atoms.
The difference in electronegativity between two bonding atoms can indicate whether the bond is covalent or ionic; a small difference typically results in a covalent bond while a large difference tends to produce an ionic bond. Additionally electronegativity is a function of the atom's ionization energy and electron affinity; it influences how electrons are distributed in a bond and determines the polarity of the bond.