what is electron affinity

1.	what is electron affinity
Answer» Electron affinity\xa0The\xa0energy released\xa0when an\xa0electron\xa0is added to a\xa0neutral gaseous atom\xa0is known as\xa0electron affinity.\xa0The\xa0unit\xa0for\xa0electron affinity\xa0is\xa0kilo joules per mole. It depends mainly on two factors. They are atomic size and nuclear charge.\xa0Atomic size: As the atomic size increases the nucler\xa0attraction force on the valence shell decreases. Thus electron affinity will be more for smaller atomic size elements.\xa0Nuclear charge:Electron affinity increases with increase in the nuclear charge. With the increase in nucler attraction force the electron in the valence shell binds strongly to the atom.\xa0Trend in electron affinityThe\xa0electron affinity\xa0increases across a period\xa0while it\xa0decreases\xa0down a group. The\xa0zero group\xa0elements\xa0have the\xa0lowest electron affinity\xa0values. Halogens posses highest electron affinity in the periodic table. In halogens chlorine posses highest electron affinity in the periodic table.

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