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Which of the following represents the CORRECT order of electron affinity?

1. O > Se
2. F+ > Cl+
3. P > N
4. Ne > Ar

Correct answer: P > N

Solution

Nitrogen has an anomalously low electron affinity because its 2p subshell is exactly half-filled (2p³), providing extra stability that resists addition of an electron. Phosphorus (3p³) also has half-filled p subshell but the 3p orbitals are larger, reducing inter-electron repulsion, so EA of P > EA of N. This makes option C correct.

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