How Does Electron Affinity Relate to Energy Release in Gaseous Atoms?

Thread starter shanewatson
Start date Oct 27, 2012
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Electron Electron affinity

In summary, electron affinity is the measure of the energy released when an atom or molecule gains an electron and becomes a negative ion. It is different from electronegativity, which measures an atom's ability to attract electrons in a chemical bond. The size of an atom, its nuclear charge, and the electron configuration of the atom's valence shell all affect its electron affinity. Electron affinity tends to increase across a period in the periodic table due to the increasing nuclear charge. In chemical reactions, electron affinity plays a crucial role in determining the stability and reactivity of atoms and molecules.

Oct 27, 2012

shanewatson

What is electron affinity??

Q: Why energy is released when an electron is added to a gaseous atom?
What is electron affinity? Please explain it with reference to release of energy?

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Oct 27, 2012

Borek

Mentor

Have you at least tried to check the definition?

Related to How Does Electron Affinity Relate to Energy Release in Gaseous Atoms?

1. What is electron affinity?

Electron affinity is the measure of the energy released when an atom or molecule gains an electron and becomes a negative ion.

2. How is electron affinity different from electronegativity?

Electron affinity measures the energy change when an atom gains an electron, while electronegativity measures an atom's ability to attract electrons in a chemical bond.

3. What factors affect an atom's electron affinity?

The size of an atom, its nuclear charge, and the electron configuration of the atom's valence shell all play a role in determining its electron affinity.

4. Why does electron affinity generally increase across a period in the periodic table?

Electron affinity tends to increase across a period because as you move from left to right, the nuclear charge increases, making it more attractive to electrons.

5. How is electron affinity important in chemical reactions?

Electron affinity is important in chemical reactions because it determines the stability and reactivity of atoms and molecules. Atoms with high electron affinity are more likely to form bonds and participate in chemical reactions.