Question

Which of the following elements has the maximum electron affinity?

• A. I
• B. Br
• C. Cl
• D. F

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Cl

One would expect Fluorine to have the highest electron affinity since it is the most electronegative element but this is not the case. In the order of electronegativity,

F > Cl > Br > I. This is almost correct in the case of electron affinity with an exception.

But electron affinity is the energy released when an atom accepts an electron. Fluorine is not able to release as much energy as Chlorine because of inter-electronic repulsions in its small atomic size which reduces the amount of energy released.