rue or false: If the electron affinity for an element is a negative number, then the anion of the element is more stable than the neutral atom.

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Understand the concept of electron affinity: Electron affinity is the energy change that occurs when an electron is added to a neutral atom in the gaseous state to form an anion.

Recognize that a negative electron affinity value indicates that energy is released when an electron is added, suggesting that the anion is more stable than the neutral atom.

Consider the stability of the anion: If adding an electron releases energy (negative electron affinity), it implies that the anion is energetically favorable compared to the neutral atom.

Relate this to the stability of the anion: A more stable anion means it is lower in energy compared to the neutral atom, which is consistent with a negative electron affinity.

Conclude that if the electron affinity is negative, the anion is indeed more stable than the neutral atom, making the statement true.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Electron Affinity

Electron affinity is the amount of energy released when an electron is added to a neutral atom to form a negative ion (anion). A negative electron affinity indicates that energy is required to add an electron, suggesting that the process is not energetically favorable.

Stability of Anions

The stability of an anion compared to its neutral atom is influenced by the energy changes associated with electron addition. If the formation of the anion is energetically favorable (positive electron affinity), the anion is generally more stable than the neutral atom. Conversely, a negative electron affinity implies that the anion is less stable.

Thermodynamic Favorability

Thermodynamic favorability refers to whether a reaction or process will occur spontaneously based on energy changes. If a process releases energy (exothermic), it is typically more favorable. In this context, a negative electron affinity suggests that forming the anion is not thermodynamically favorable, leading to lower stability compared to the neutral atom.

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c. Co3+

d. Pt2+

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