Chapter 8, Problem 8.18QE

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The variation of electron affinities down the group has to be determined.

Concept Introduction:

The change in energy when an electron is added to the neutral gaseous atom is known as electron affinity. An anion is formed in this process. Halogens have seven electrons in their outermost valence electrons, and their effective nuclear charges are very high. So these can readily accept an electron to complete their octet, and therefore halogens have the highest electron affinities among the rest of the elements of the periodic table.