Chlorine has a slightly more exothermic (more negative) electron affinity than fluorine
CHEMISTRY · Single correct · AP · Chemistry · Atomic Structure and Properties · Atomic Structure and Properties
Problem
Chlorine has a slightly more exothermic (more negative) electron affinity than fluorine, even though fluorine is more electronegative. Which of the following best accounts for this exception to the general trend?
(a) Chlorine’s higher nuclear charge attracts the added electron more strongly than fluorine, despite chlorine’s larger radius.
(b) Empty 3d orbitals in chlorine allow the extra electron to be accommodated with additional stability.
(c) Greater electron–electron repulsion in the compact 2p subshell of fluorine destabilizes the added electron.
(d) Chlorine has a lower first-ionization energy, which correlates with a greater tendency to accept an electron.