Question

What is the electron affinity of oxygen?

Answer 1

Electron affinity is defined as the enthalpy change when 1 mol of atoms, accepts 1 mol of electrons to form 1 mol of anions. Both reactants and products are specified to be in the gas phase.

Explanation:

So, electron affinity measures enthalpy change for the following reaction:

`E(g) + e^(-) rarr E^(-)(g)`. Where `E` is the generic element.

I have no idea what it is for `O`. Because oxygen is towards the right of the Periodic Table I suspect it will be negative. Why can I make this assessment?