Why is electron affinity positive?

In summary, the conversation discusses the topic of electron affinity and its role in the Born Haber cycle. It is noted that the values given for electron affinity are positive, indicating that when an electron is added to fluorine, it becomes more stable. However, the conversation also brings up the issue of sloppy nomenclature in chemistry and the importance of clear sign conventions when discussing electron affinity. The conversation concludes with a clarification that when calculating lattice energy, the negative of the given value must be taken for electron affinity.
  • #1
Titan97
Gold Member
450
18
I was reading thermodynamics and about Born Haber cycle. There, I found that the values given for electron affinity are positive.
When an electron is added to flourine, it attains noble gas configuration. So i t becomes more stable. So shouldn't the reaction be exothermic?
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
  • #3
So while calculating lattice energy, the negative of the given value has to be taken?
 
  • #4
Electron affinity is especially murky. It makes no sense to talk about it without the sign convention clearly stated. Btw., it's fluorine not flourine.
 
  • Like
Likes Titan97

What is electron affinity and why is it important?

Electron affinity is a measure of the energy released when an atom gains an electron. It is important because it helps us understand the reactivity of elements and their ability to form chemical bonds.

Why is electron affinity positive for most elements?

Electron affinity is usually positive because most atoms have a greater attraction for electrons than they do for losing them. This is due to the fact that gaining an electron allows the atom to achieve a stable electron configuration and become more energetically stable.

Why do elements in the same group have similar electron affinities?

Elements in the same group have similar electron affinities because they have the same number of valence electrons, which determines their reactivity and ability to gain electrons. As a result, their electron affinity values tend to be similar.

Why does electron affinity decrease as you move down a group on the periodic table?

Electron affinity decreases as you move down a group on the periodic table because the atomic size increases. This means that the valence electrons are farther away from the nucleus and experience less attraction, making it easier for the atom to gain an electron.

How does electron affinity relate to electronegativity?

Electron affinity and electronegativity are related, but not the same. Both measures involve the attraction for electrons, but electron affinity specifically refers to the energy released when an atom gains an electron, while electronegativity is the ability of an atom to attract electrons in a chemical bond. Therefore, elements with high electron affinity tend to also have high electronegativity values.

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
558
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
28
Views
13K
Replies
10
Views
911
Replies
2
Views
750
Replies
6
Views
4K
Replies
9
Views
8K
Replies
2
Views
892
Back
Top