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Multiple Choice
Determine which atom in the following set has the largest electron affinity:N, O, C, B, Ne a) N b) O c) C d) B e) Ne
A
N
B
O
C
C
D
B
E
Ne
Verified step by step guidance
1
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 a negative ion. Generally, the more negative the electron affinity, the more an atom attracts electrons.
Consider the periodic trend: Electron affinity generally increases across a period from left to right in the periodic table. This is because atoms become more electronegative and have a greater tendency to gain electrons as you move across a period.
Analyze the given elements: The elements provided are N, O, C, B, and Ne. These elements are all in the second period of the periodic table.
Identify the exceptions: While the trend suggests that electron affinity increases across a period, there are exceptions. For example, noble gases like Ne have very low electron affinities because they have a complete valence shell and do not tend to gain electrons.
Compare the elements: Among the elements N, O, C, B, and Ne, oxygen (O) has the highest electron affinity. This is because it is more electronegative and has a greater tendency to gain an electron compared to the others in the set.