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Arrange the following elements in order of increasing electron affinity: O, S, F, Cl.

1. O < S < F < Cl
2. O < S < Cl < F
3. S < O < F < Cl
4. S < O < Cl < F

Correct answer: S < O < Cl < F

Solution

Experimental electron affinity values (kJ/mol): O ~ 141, S ~ 200, F ~ 328, Cl ~ 349. The correct increasing order is O < S < F < Cl. Note: Cl has higher EA than F despite F being more electronegative, because F's small 2p orbitals experience greater electron-electron repulsion when an extra electron is added. Similarly S > O. So increasing order: O < S < F < Cl.

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