Question

What is the difference between electron affinity and ionization energy?

Answer 1

Well, the former is a reductive process...and ionization is an oxidative process.....

Explanation:

The electron affinity is the enthalpy associated with the formation of mole of gaseous anions, from one mole of gaseous atoms, and one mole of electrons:

`M(g) + e^(-) rarr M^(-)(g)+Delta`

And ionization enthalpy is the enthalpy associated with the formation of one mole of gaseous cations, and one mole of electrons from one mole of gaseous atoms....

`M(g) + Delta rarr M^(+)(g)+ e^(-)`

Data on these processes inform our view of energy levels and electronic structure....

Electron affinities reasonably (why) INCREASE across a Period, from left to right as we face the Table, and decrease down a Group.

Ionization enthalpies ALSO increase across the Period, and decrease down the Group.