Question

In comparison to alkaline earth metals, the electron affinity of chalcogens is:

• A. Very low
• B. Very high
• C. Exactly same
• D. Nearly same

Answer 1

The correct option is B Very high

Electron affinity is the amount of energy released when an electron is added to a neutral atom to form an anion.

Electron affinity of chalcogens is very high compared to the alkaline earth metals because alkaline earth metals have the stable general electronic configuration $n{s}^2$. Therefore, it is very difficult to add an extra electron in alkaline earth metal.

On the other hand, the general electronic configuration of chalcogens is $n{s}^{2}n{p}^4$. Thus, chalcogens can obtain a stable electronic configuration by accepting electrons.

Therefore, the electron affinity of chalcogens is higher than alkaline earth metal.