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Question 59 of 62

Q.The element with positive electron gain enthalpy is :

(a) Argon
(b) Hydrogen
(c) Fluorine
(d) Sodium
Puducherry TnboardTamil Nadu HSC First Year (DGE) Board 2025MCQ· 1mImportance★★★★★
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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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