The energy released when an electron is added to the valence shell of a neutral, gaseous, isolated atom is called (a) electronegativity (b) ionization potential (c) electron affinity (d) lattice energy

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: Electron affinity.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Options

First, let us briefly understand each of the provided terms. 1. Electronegativity: It is the ability of an atom in a molecule to attract electrons to itself. 2. Ionization Potential: It is the energy required to remove an electron from a neutral, gaseous, isolated atom. 3. Electron Affinity: It is the energy change when an electron is added to a neutral, gaseous, isolated atom, usually resulting in a negative ion. 4. Lattice Energy: It is the energy released when a crystal lattice is formed from its constituent ions.
02

Finding the Correct Answer

Now, let's examine which of these options best describes the energy released when an electron is added to the valence shell of a neutral, gaseous, isolated atom. In this process, an electron is being added, indicating that the right term should involve the addition of an electron to an atom. Among the provided options, electron affinity is the only term that refers to the energy change involving the addition of an electron to a neutral atom. So, the correct answer is electron affinity.
03

Answer

Hence, the correct answer is (c) electron affinity.

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