Periodic Trends: Electron Affinity and Reactivity

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What is electron affinity?

Electron affinity is the energy change when an electron is added to a neutral atom in the gaseous state.

What is the trend in electron affinity across a period?

Electron affinity generally becomes more negative across a period, indicating increased energy release.

Why does electron affinity become more negative across a period?

Stronger nuclear attraction as atomic size decreases allows for greater energy release when gaining electrons.

What is the trend in electron affinity down a group?

Electron affinity becomes less negative down a group.

Why does electron affinity become less negative down a group?

Increased atomic size and electron shielding reduce attraction for additional electrons.

What is reactivity?

Reactivity refers to the speed and extent to which a substance undergoes a chemical reaction.

How does reactivity trend for metals?

Reactivity of metals increases down a group and decreases across a period.

How does reactivity trend for non-metals?

Reactivity of non-metals decreases down a group and increases across a period.

Why do metals become more reactive as you move down a group?

As atomic size increases, outer electrons are lost more easily, enhancing reactivity.

Why do non-metals become more reactive as you move across a period?

Closer nuclear attraction and higher electronegativity increase reactivity due to electron gain capability.

What is the significance of high electron affinity in non-metals?

High electron affinity in non-metals leads to greater tendency to gain electrons, affecting reactivity.

How does electron affinity relate to ion formation?

Elements with high electron affinity tend to form anions as they can gain electrons easily.

What is the most reactive metal on the periodic table?

Francium is considered the most reactive metal.

What is the most reactive non-metal on the periodic table?

Fluorine is considered the most reactive non-metal due to its high electronegativity.

How does electron affinity affect the stability of anions?

Higher electron affinity generally leads to more stable anions due to the exothermic nature of electron gain.