Question

The order of electron affinities of $N,O,S$and$Cl$ are :

• A. $N<O<S<Cl$
• B. $O<N<Cl<S$
• C. $O<Cl<N<S$
• D. $O<S<Cl<N$

Answer 1

The correct option is A $N<O<S<Cl$

Generally, electron affinity increases as we move from left to right in a period and decreases as we go down in a group. But electron affinities of second-period elements (such as $N$, $O$) are less negative as compared to corresponding⋅ third-period elements. This is because of the small atomic size of second-period elements.

Hence, the correct order of electron affinities is $N<O<S<Cl$