Chemistry / Unit 5 Chem 0892 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Electron Affinity Trend
Captions available
The idea
Electron affinity is the energy change when a gaseous atom gains an electron, growing more negative across a period as Zeff increases.
In practice
A halogen's high Zeff attracts an added electron strongly, releasing energy and giving a strongly negative affinity.
Where people slip
A more negative electron affinity means a stronger pull on the electron, not a measure of reluctance to accept one.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Builds on
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