Energetic considerations of chemical bonding

Based on our crude, conceptual definition of chemical bonding, it is clear that an important issue concerns the ability of atoms to give up electrons to or accept electrons from other atoms.

In order to quantify this notion, there are two energies that are relevant. These are:

1.

Ionization energy - Measures the ability of a neutral atom to lose an electron.

2.

Electron affinity - Measures the ability of a neutral atom to gain an electron.

Let us examine these in greater detail: