Electron Affinity

[jimmy p]

Just a quickie, why does Chlorine have a higher electron affinity than fluorine, when fluorine is the most electronegative element in the periodic table??

I asked my chem tutor but she didnt really explain much. [g)]

[GCT]

It's due to the smaller radius of flourine. Without going into too much detail, the smaller radius makes it a bit more difficult for approaching electron to be attracted to the nucleus since it is already crowded. Hope this helps.

[jimmy p]

but surely such a high electronegativity it wouldnt matter if they didnt get close as long as they attracted.

OK im intrigued, what is "more detail" please? im really getting into chemistry even if it doesnt excite me so I would like to know so i can impress the tutor.