Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Electron Affinity
Dr. DeBacco
Electron Affinity
Electron Affinity- The energy change when a neutral atom gains an electron to form a negative ion (first electron affinity).
Electron Affinity- Across Period
Across a Period: Generally becomes more negative (increases in magnitude)
Higher nuclear charge and smaller radius make it more favorable for an atom to attract an additional electron.
Example: Chlorine (Cl) has a more negative electron affinity than phosphorus (P).
Electron Affinity- Down Group or Family
Down a Group: Generally becomes less negative (decreases in magnitude)
Larger radius and shielding effects reduce the attraction for an additional electron.
Example: Fluorine (F) has a more negative electron affinity than iodine (I).
Electron Affinity
Exceptions: Some elements (e.g., noble gases) have positive or near-zero electron affinities due to stable electron configurations.
Link to Lecture Slides: drive.google.com/file/d/1u0G2lvselrjdoCTUAhpyVzaRZAd8Rd2c/view?usp=drive_link
*Due to the description character limit the full work cited for "Electron Affinity" can be viewed at... docs.google.com/document/d/18OMV8aaUViHO69YiQBIa-UIVWHeyyusd/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=104237452697237972847&rtpof=true&sd=true
Electron Affinity
Dr. DeBacco
Electron Affinity
Electron Affinity- The energy change when a neutral atom gains an electron to form a negative ion (first electron affinity).
Electron Affinity- Across Period
Across a Period: Generally becomes more negative (increases in magnitude)
Higher nuclear charge and smaller radius make it more favorable for an atom to attract an additional electron.
Example: Chlorine (Cl) has a more negative electron affinity than phosphorus (P).
Electron Affinity- Down Group or Family
Down a Group: Generally becomes less negative (decreases in magnitude)
Larger radius and shielding effects reduce the attraction for an additional electron.
Example: Fluorine (F) has a more negative electron affinity than iodine (I).
Electron Affinity
Exceptions: Some elements (e.g., noble gases) have positive or near-zero electron affinities due to stable electron configurations.
Link to Lecture Slides: drive.google.com/file/d/1u0G2lvselrjdoCTUAhpyVzaRZAd8Rd2c/view?usp=drive_link
*Due to the description character limit the full work cited for "Electron Affinity" can be viewed at... docs.google.com/document/d/18OMV8aaUViHO69YiQBIa-UIVWHeyyusd/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=104237452697237972847&rtpof=true&sd=true
