Electronegativity is like the "neediness" of an atom for electrons - the stronger the desire, the higher the electronegativity. Non-metals, often called the "attention-seekers" of the periodic table, have high electronegativity because they love hoarding electrons.

💡 Remember: Electronegativity increases as we move across periods (from left to right) and up groups (from bottom to top) on the periodic table.

A little difference in electronegativity can completely change the type of bond that forms between two atoms. Imagine this as the difference between sipping a mild soda (covalent bonds) and gulping down super-strong espresso (ionic bonds).

• Ionic Bonds (The Espresso): When the electronegativity difference between two atoms is greater than 1.8, it's like one atom yanks the electron away from the other, leading to an ionic bond. It's all or nothing here!
• Covalent Bonds (The Soda): But, if the difference is less than 1.8, both atoms share the electron - a friendly gesture leading to a covalent bond.