answersLogoWhite

0

Most electron affinities are negative because when an electron is added to an atom, energy is released. This released energy causes the system to become more stable, resulting in a negative change in energy. The negative sign indicates that energy is released during the process.

User Avatar

AnswerBot

10mo ago

Still curious? Ask our experts.

Chat with our AI personalities

SteveSteve
Knowledge is a journey, you know? We'll get there.
Chat with Steve
RossRoss
Every question is just a happy little opportunity.
Chat with Ross
TaigaTaiga
Every great hero faces trials, and you—yes, YOU—are no exception!
Chat with Taiga

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Why are most electron affinities negative numbers?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Chemistry

Which element group have the most negative electron affinities?

The halogens, specifically the group 17 elements, have the most negative electron affinities. This is because they have a strong attraction for gaining an electron to achieve a stable electron configuration with a full outer shell. Fluorine has the highest electron affinity among the halogens.


What group in the periodic table releases the most energy by gaining an electron?

The halogen group in the periodic table releases the most energy by gaining an electron because they have a high electron affinity and tend to form stable, energy-releasing compounds when they gain an electron to achieve a full outer electron shell.


Which element would most likely have a positive electron affinity between Na Al Rb and Ar?

Chlorine (Cl) would most likely have a positive electron affinity. Typically, elements with high electron affinities are found on the right side of the periodic table, closer to the noble gases. Among the choices given, Argon (Ar) is a noble gas and has a positive electron affinity.


Is an element with a large negative electron affinity most likely to form a positive ion a negative ion or a neutral atom?

An element with a large negative electron affinity is more likely to form a negative ion because it strongly attracts electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration. This results in the formation of negatively charged ions.


Why does chlorine have a negative ion?

Chlorine becomes a negative ion by gaining one electron to achieve a full outer electron shell, following the octet rule which states that atoms are most stable when their outer electron shell is filled with 8 electrons.