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The element with the highest electron affinity has which electronic configuration?

1. [Xe] ns² np⁵
2. [Ar] ns² np⁵
3. [Ne] ns² np⁵
4. All have the same electron affinity

Correct answer: [Ne] ns² np⁵

Solution

Although we expect EA to increase up a group, F has a very small atomic size leading to strong electron-electron repulsion in the compact 2p subshell, giving it a lower EA than Cl. Cl has the highest EA of all elements. Its core is [Ne], so the configuration is [Ne] ns² np⁵.

Related JEE Advanced Chemistry questions

• Which statement accurately describes the trend in chemical reactivity of alkali metals and halogens as their atomic number increases within the group?
• The process of converting O(g) into O²⁻(g) requires 603 kJ mol⁻¹ of energy. If the first electron affinity of O(g) is -141 kJ mol⁻¹, what is the value of the second electron affinity of oxygen?
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• Which of these sequences correctly represents the trend in electron affinity?
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