Why Chlorine has Higher Electron Affinity than Fluorine

[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.

 

[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 wouldn't matter if they didnt get close as long as they attracted.

OK I am intrigued, what is "more detail" please? I am really getting into chemistry even if it doesn't excite me so I would like to know so i can impress the tutor.