Electron Affinity

Question 1

Electron affinity definition

Answer 1

Electron affinity is defined as the change in energy (in kJ/mole) of a neutral atom (in the gaseous phase) when an electron is added to the atom to form a negative ion. In other words, the neutral atom’s likelihood of gaining an electron.

Question 2

Trend of electron affinity going across and explanation

Answer 2

Small to large. Ionization gets smaller left to right. Going left to right it increases and restarts again in the next group.

Question 3

Trend of electron affinity going down and explanation

Answer 3

Large to small. Affinity gets larger top to bottom