Electronegativity Scale

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0.0                           Electronegativity is the atoms in a chemical compound ability to attract electrons.

If the difference between two elements in a compound is 0.0 to 0.4 then the bonding is Covalent. If the difference between two elements is 0.5 to 1.8 then the compound is Polar Covalent. If the value is 1.9 and up the compound is ionic. Another way to tell if your bonding is Covalent, Polar Covalent or Ionic, Covalent and Polar Covalent are bonding between non-metals and Ionic bonds are between metals and non-metals.

Examples:

LiF

Li has a electronegative value of 1.0 and F has a value of 4.0

4.0 – 1.0 = 3.0 Ionic Bond

CCl₄

C has a  electronegative value of 2.5 and Cl has a electronegative value of 4.0

4.0 – 2.5 = 1.5 Polar Covalent Bond

N₂

N has a electronegative value of 3.0 and the another N has a electronegative value of 3.0

3.0 – 3.0 = 0.0 Covalent Bond