How small size of atom helps to add electron?
How small size of atom helps to add electron?
An increase in atomic size leads to a decrease in electron affinity because the incoming electron is added further away from the nucleus, i.e. on a higher energy level.
As you go down a group, the outermost electrons are located further and further away from the nucleus. This implies that they feel less pull coming from the nucleus. (Screening plays an important role here, too).
If this is the case, the gain in energy when an electron is added to the atom will not be as significant → electron affinity decreases.
On the other hand, an increase in effective nuclear charge has the exact opposite effect.
simply
As size decreases the nucleus and electron come closer then the attraction will be more in small atoms
So it can add electrons
An increase in atomic size leads to a decrease in electron affinity because the incoming electron is added further away from the nucleus, i.e. on a higher energy level.
As you go down a group, the outermost electrons are located further and further away from the nucleus. This implies that they feel less pull coming from the nucleus. (Screening plays an important role here, too).
If this is the case, the gain in energy when an electron is added to the atom will not be as significant → electron affinity decreases.
On the other hand, an increase in effective nuclear charge has the exact opposite effect.
simply
As size decreases the nucleus and electron come closer then the attraction will be more in small atoms
So it can add electrons
