Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 8: Problem 59

(a) Define electron affinity. (b) Electron affinity measurements are made with gaseous atoms. Why? (c) Ionization energy is always a positive quantity, whereas electron affinity may be either positive or negative. Explain.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Electron affinity is the energy change when an electron is added to a gaseous atom; measurements are done with gaseous atoms for simplicity and accuracy; ionization energy is always positive as it requires energy to remove an electron, whereas electron affinity can be negative if energy is released when adding an electron and positive if energy needs to be supplied.

Step by step solution

01

Define Electron Affinity

Electron affinity is the energy change that occurs when an electron is added to a gaseous atom to form a negative ion. This energy can be either released (exothermic process) or absorbed (endothermic process) depending on the element.
02

Explain why measurements are done with gaseous atoms

Electron affinity measurements are made with gaseous atoms mainly because it simplifies the process. In other states, interactions between atoms and molecules can affect the measurements. In gaseous state, the atoms are isolated which makes it easier to measure the actual energy changes when an electron is added.
03

Discuss ionization energy and electron affinity

Ionization energy is the energy required to remove an electron from an atom or ion in its gaseous state. It is always positive because energy needs to be supplied for this process. On the other hand, electron affinity can be either positive or negative. If energy is released when an electron is added (which is the case for most atoms), the electron affinity is negative. However, if energy needs to be supplied to add an electron (as is the case for noble gases), the electron affinity is positive.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

List all the common ions of representative elements and transition metals that are isoelectronic with Ar.

Define ionic radius. How does the size of an atom change when it is converted to (a) an anion and (b) a cation?

When magnesium metal is burned in air, it forms two products \(A\) and \(B\). A reacts with water to form a basic solution. B reacts with water to form a similar solution as that of A plus a gas with a pungent odor. Identify A and \(\mathrm{B}\) and write equations for the reactions. (Hint: See Chemistry in Action essay "Discovery of the Noble Gases" in Section \(8.6 .\) )

Arrange the following species in isoelectronic pairs: \(\mathrm{O}^{+}, \mathrm{Ar}, \mathrm{S}^{2-}, \mathrm{Ne}, \mathrm{Zn}, \mathrm{Cs}^{+}, \mathrm{N}^{3-}, \mathrm{As}^{3+}, \mathrm{N}, \mathrm{Xe}\)

List the following ions in order of increasing ionic radius: \(\mathrm{N}^{3-}, \mathrm{Na}^{+}, \mathrm{F}^{-}, \mathrm{Mg}^{2+}, \mathrm{O}^{2-}\)
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Organic Chemistry

Read Explanation

Chemical Reactions

Read Explanation

The Earths Atmosphere

Read Explanation

Inorganic Chemistry

Read Explanation

Chemistry Branches

Read Explanation

Making Measurements

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free