Question of 109
Q.Define electron gain enthalpy. How does electron gain enthalpy vary with
(i) a group
(ii) a period? How would you explain these variations?
Jammu Kashmir JkboseJammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (Class 11) 2023Subjective· 3mImportance★★★★★
0% · 0/109 Questions
You're viewing a preview — the full solution, concept, methods & PYQ mapping are locked.
Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →Electron gain enthalpy (ΔegH) generally becomes more negative across a period and less negative down a group, due to changing nuclear charge and atomic size.
Electron gain enthalpy (ΔegH) is the enthalpy change when an electron is added to a neutral gaseous atom to form a gaseous anion: X(g) + e⁻ → X⁻(g). A more negative value means a greater release of energy, i.e. a stronger tendency to accept an electron.
- Trend across a period (left to right): Electron gain enthalpy generally becomes MORE negative. As we move across a period, the nuclear charge increases while the atomic size decreases (electrons are added to the same shell, with poor shielding between them). The added electron therefore experiences a stronger effective nuclear attraction, so energy is released more readily — halogens (Group 17) have the most negative electron gain enthalpies in their periods.
- Trend down a group: Electron gain enthalpy generally becomes LESS negative (the tendency to gain an electron weakens). Down a group, atomic size increases substantially and the added electron enters a shell farther from the nucleus, which is also more effectively shielded by inner electrons — so the incoming electron is attracted less strongly, and less energy is released. …
Unlock everything free for 14 days
- Full step-by-step solutions
- Concept-first explanations
- Methods, shortcuts & mistakes
- PYQ mapping + timed mock tests
Full access for 14 days. No credit card required.