Why do the halogen atoms have the greatest electron affinity?

1 Answer
anor277
Sep 8, 2017

Why? Because these atoms have the greatest nucular charge for a given Period.....retaining an incomplete valence electronic shell.

Explanation:

We assess the reaction....

#X(g)+e^(-) rarr X^(-)(g)+Delta#

Halogen have the greatest nuclear charge, and in addition such reduction COMPLETES their valence shell to give a stable 8-electron configuration. Negative vales for #Delta# would be anticipated.

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