Question

The element with the highest electron affinity among the halogens is

• A. $\mathrm{F}$
• B. $\mathrm{Cl}$
• C. $\mathrm{Br}$
• D. $\text{I}$

Answer 1

The correct option is B

$\mathrm{Cl}$

Explanation for correct option

(B)$\mathrm{Cl}$

Electron affinity

• The amount of energy released when an electron is added to a neutral atom to form an anion is called electron affinity.
• Generally on going down the group, electron affinity decrease, and on going left to right, the value of electron affinity increases.
• The electron affinity among the halogens follows the order as follows:-
• $\mathrm{Cl}>\mathrm{F}>\mathrm{Br}>\mathrm{I}$
• Due to the small size of fluorine when extra electrons are added, repulsion takes place.
• The size of chlorine is larger compared to fluorine, so repulsion is not observed in this case when an extra electron is added.

Hence, the electron affinity of chlorine is greater than fluorine.

Explanation for incorrect option

The element with the highest electron affinity among the halogens is chlorine. Hence, options (A), (C), and (D) are incorrect.

So, option (B) is correct. The element with the highest electron affinity among the halogens is chlorine.