Final answer:
The elements can be arranged in increasing order of electron affinity as Carbon (C) < Nitrogen (N) < Oxygen (O) < Fluorine (F).
Step-by-step explanation:
The electron affinity is the energy change that occurs when an atom gains an electron to form a negative ion.
Based on the information provided, we can arrange the elements in increasing order of electron affinity as follows:
- Carbon (C)
- Nitrogen (N)
- Oxygen (O)
- Fluorine (F)
Carbon has the lowest electron affinity because it is farther away from the fluorine, which has the highest electronegativity. This means that carbon has a lower tendency to gain electrons compared to the other elements.