Question

The element having maximum electron affinity is ______.

Options

• F

• Cl

• Br

• I

Answer 1

The element having maximum electron affinity is Cl.

Explanation:

Although electron affinity generally decreases as you move down a group, chlorine (Cl) has a higher electron affinity than fluorine (F). Fluorine’s exceptionally small atomic size causes strong electron-electron repulsion within its tightly packed valence shell, which resists the entry of an incoming electron. Chlorine has a larger outer orbital that easily accommodates an extra electron with minimal repulsion, giving it the highest electron affinity in the entire periodic table.