Question

Which of the following has the greatest affinity for electrons?

• A. $Na$
• B. $Cl$
• C. $Br$
• D. $K$
• E. $C$

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

$Cl$

Option $B$ is the correct answer.

The atomic number of $Cl$ is 17, which can be written as (2,8,7). Thus, there are 7 electrons in the outermost shell. Every element wants to go to their nearest inert gas structure to attain stability. Thus, Chlorine wants to attain its nearest inert gas Argon's structure by accepting one more electron in its outermost shell, thus converting its electronic configuration to (2,8,8). And it is very easy for Chlorine too, as it has to accept only one electron.

Thus $Cl$ has the greatest affinity for electrons.