Nitrogen’s first electron affinity is close to zero

CHEMISTRY · Subjective · A Level · Chemistry · Periodicity and periodic trends · Periodicity and periodic trends

Problem

Nitrogen’s first electron affinity is close to zero, whereas carbon’s is clearly negative. Provide a brief explanation that reconciles this anomaly in terms of subshell occupancy, electron–electron repulsion, and effective nuclear charge.

Related theory

Electronic Configuration
Atomic Structure
Electron gain enthalpy and electronegativity
Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties
Periodic Trends in Physical Properties

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