Question

Which one has higher electron gain enthalpy with negative sign, sulphur or oxygen?

Answer 1

Sulphur has more negative electron gain enthalpy than oxygen.

This is because of a relatively small size of oxygen than sulphur and hence, oxygen cannot accommodate more electrons and to do so, we need to provide extra energy and providing extra energy increase positive electron gain enthalpy.

Hence, sulphur has more electron gain enthalpy with a negative sign.