Question

Elaborate on how electron affinity and ion formation relate. A) Electron affinity is the energy required to add one electron to an atom forming an anion. B) Electron affinity is the energy required to remove one electron from an atom forming a cation. C) Electron affinity is the energy produced when adding an electron to an atom forming an isotope. D) Electron affinity is the energy donated to discharge one electron from an atom forming a baryon.

Answer 1

Answer: The correct option is A.

Explanation: Electron affinity is the amount of energy required when an electron is added to a gaseous neutral atom to form a negative ion. This is expressed in kJ/mol.

`X(g)+e^-\rightarrow X^-(g)`

From the given options:

Option A: Negative ion is called as the anion. Electron affinity is the energy required. So, this relates electron affinity and ion formation.

Option B: Positive ion is called as a cation and it is formed by losing an electron. Electron affinity is the energy which is required to add an electron. Hence, this does not relate.

Option C: An isotope is formed when there is a change in the mass number and adding an electron will not affect the mass number. Hence, this does not relate.

Option D: This also does not relate because it is saying that discharge of electrons taking place, which is no true for electron affinity.