Why is electron gain enthelpy generally exothermic?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of electron gain enthalpy, specifically why it is generally exothermic. Participants explore the reasons behind energy release when an atom gains an electron, as well as variations in energy release among different elements, particularly halogens.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that energy is required to overcome nuclear attraction when removing electrons, leading to endothermic ionization energy.
  • There is a question about why energy is released when an electron is added to an atom, suggesting a net force of attraction must exist.
  • Participants express confusion regarding the relationship between the force of attraction and energy release during electron gain.
  • One participant mentions that halogens release more energy when gaining electrons due to their smaller size and increased nuclear charge, implying a greater attraction for additional electrons.
  • There is a query about the fate of the energy associated with the electron once it becomes bound to the nucleus.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion remains unresolved, with participants expressing differing views on the mechanisms behind energy release during electron gain and the implications of attraction forces.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not reached consensus on the underlying principles governing electron gain enthalpy, and there are unresolved questions regarding energy dynamics in the process.

takando12
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I understand that we need to supply energy to counter the nuclear attraction when we remove electrons and that is the reason ionization energy is endothermic. However, why does an atom release energy when we add an electron to it? And also why do some elements( like the halogens) release more energy than the rest? I can understand that it is easier for them to gain electrons than the others because of small size and increase in nuclear charge and I guess it just goes to the first question again.
Please help.
 
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takando12 said:
I understand that we need to supply energy to counter the nuclear attraction when we remove electrons and that is the reason ionization energy is endothermic. However, why does an atom release energy when we add an electron to it? And also why do some elements( like the halogens) release more energy than the rest? I can understand that it is easier for them to gain electrons than the others because of small size and increase in nuclear charge and I guess it just goes to the first question again.
Please help.
When an atom gains an electron there must be a net force of attraction between the atom and electron. So for the atom to gain an electron, would that require energy being added from the surroundings?

AM
 
Andrew Mason said:
When an atom gains an electron there must be a net force of attraction between the atom and electron. So for the atom to gain an electron, would that require energy being added from the surroundings?

AM
I really can't figure it out. How does the force of attraction relate to whether it releases energy or not?
 
takando12 said:
I really can't figure it out. How does the force of attraction relate to whether it releases energy or not?

That electron has some energy associated with it. So when the electron becomes bound to the nucleus, where does all that (or some of that) energy go?
 

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