Question

What is the tendency of an atom to pull electrons toward itself referred to as?

Answer 1

You speak of the `"electron affinity"`, the enthalpy change when 1 mole of gaseous atoms combine with mole of electrons, to form one mole of gaseous anions..........

Explanation:

The `"electron affinity"` refers to the enthalpy change of the following reaction:

`"Atom(g)" + e^(-) rarr "Anion(g)"+Delta`

Discounting the Noble Gases, electron affinity INCREASES across the Period from left to right as we face the Table. Why should this be so?