Which of the following element has the greatest affinity among the halogens?
Which of the following element has the greatest affinity among the halogens?
The correct option is A Cl
Halogens have maximum electron gain enthalpy because if we add one electron to group 17 elements, they achieve noble gas configuration.
As we know,
Atomic size: The smaller the atomic size, the greater will be the electron affinity because the effective attractive force between the nucleus and the valence electrons is greater in smaller atoms, and so the electrons are held firmly.
Nuclear charge: The greater the nuclear charge, greater is the electron affinity because an increase in nuclear charge increases the effective attractive forces on the valence electrons.
Fluorine, though higher than chlorine in the periodic table, has a very small atomic size. This makes the fluoride anion so formed unstable (highly reactive) due to a very high charge/mass ratio. Also, fluorine has no d-orbitals, which limits its atomic size. As a result, fluorine has an electron affinity less than that of chlorine.
Cl
Halogens have maximum electron gain enthalpy because if we add one electron to group 17 elements, they achieve noble gas configuration.
As we know,
Atomic size: The smaller the atomic size, the greater will be the electron affinity because the effective attractive force between the nucleus and the valence electrons is greater in smaller atoms, and so the electrons are held firmly.
Nuclear charge: The greater the nuclear charge, greater is the electron affinity because an increase in nuclear charge increases the effective attractive forces on the valence electrons.
Fluorine, though higher than chlorine in the periodic table, has a very small atomic size. This makes the fluoride anion so formed unstable (highly reactive) due to a very high charge/mass ratio. Also, fluorine has no d-orbitals, which limits its atomic size. As a result, fluorine has an electron affinity less than that of chlorine.
