Chapter 2, Problem 2.124QP

(a)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The given Magnesium, Phosphorous and Chlorine has to be arranged in decreasing order of electron affinity.

Concept Introduction:

The energy change when a single electron is added to an isolated gaseous atom is the electron affinity.  Consider the gain of an electron by a chlorine atom:

  $\text{Cl}\text{+}{\text{e}}^{\text{-}}\to {\text{Cl}}^{\text{-}}\text{+}\text{energy}\text{(Electron}\text{affinity)}$

Electron affinity is the energy change when a single electron is added to an isolated atom.

Elements with a high electron affinity will release a large amount of energy.

Electron affinity increases from left to right and bottom to top of a group.  The halogens have the greatest electron affinity.

(b)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The given Bromine, iodine and chlorine has to be arranged in decreasing order of electron affinity.

Concept Introduction:

Refer part (a)