Question 59 of 62
Q.The element with positive electron gain enthalpy is :
(a) Argon
(b) Hydrogen
(c) Fluorine
(d) Sodium
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Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →Argon has a positive (unfavourable) electron gain enthalpy because its electron shell is already completely filled and stable, so an incoming electron must be forced into a new, higher-energy shell.
Electron gain enthalpy (ΔegH) is the energy change when a neutral gaseous atom gains an electron to form a gaseous anion. Most atoms release energy on gaining an electron (negative ΔegH) because the extra electron is attracted by the effective nuclear charge and fits into an already partly-vacant valence shell.
Check each option:
- Fluorine: has 7 valence electrons (2s2 2p5); gaining one more electron completes a stable octet and is strongly favourable (large negative/exothermic electron gain enthalpy, one of the most negative among elements after chlorine).
- Hydrogen: gaining an electron to form H- is mildly exothermic (small negative electron gain enthalpy), completing the 1s2 configuration.
- Sodium: gaining an electron is exothermic (though weaker than halogens), as it partially fills the 3s subshell. …
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