Question

Explain the following.

Electron affinity of halogens is comparatively high.

Answer 1

Electron affinity:- It is the amount of energy released when an electron is added to a neutral atom in order to form an anion

Halogens have higher electron affinity:-

1. Halogens have a small atomic size, as a matter of fact, halogens are the smallest in their respective period.
2. They also have a high nuclear charge compared to other elements.
3. This is why they have a comparatively high electron affinity.

Hence, due to the small atomic size and high nuclear charge electron affinity of halogens is comparatively high.