Electron Affinity
Mediumchemistry
Which element has the highest electron affinity?
Select the correct option:
Solution
Incorrect! Answer:
Chlorine
This is a classic exception in periodic trends.
- Fluorine (F) is the most electronegative, so one might expect it to have the highest electron gain enthalpy (electron affinity).
- However, Chlorine (Cl) actually has a higher (more negative) electron affinity value.
- Reason: Fluorine's atom is extremely small. When an electron is added to the small 2p subshell of F, it experiences significant electron-electron repulsion from the electrons already present.
- Chlorine's 3p subshell is larger, accommodating the new electron with less repulsion.
🔒 Solution Hidden from View
Submit your answer to unlock the detailed step-by-step solution.
More electron affinity Practice Questions
About This Question
- Subject
- chemistry
- Chapter
- classification of elements and periodicity in properties
- Topic
- electron affinity
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Year
- 2025
Solution
Correct Answer:
Chlorine
This is a classic exception in periodic trends.
- Fluorine (F) is the most electronegative, so one might expect it to have the highest electron gain enthalpy (electron affinity).
- However, Chlorine (Cl) actually has a higher (more negative) electron affinity value.
- Reason: Fluorine's atom is extremely small. When an electron is added to the small 2p subshell of F, it experiences significant electron-electron repulsion from the electrons already present.
- Chlorine's 3p subshell is larger, accommodating the new electron with less repulsion.
This medium difficulty chemistry question is from the chapter classification of elements and periodicity in properties, covering the topic of electron affinity. It appeared in the 2025 exam.
Looking for more practice? Explore all chemistry questions or browse classification of elements and periodicity in properties questions on RankGuru.