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Question 840006
JEE Chemistry · Medium

Periodic Table and Periodicity: Electron affinity MCQ

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Electron affinityMediumQuestion 840006

Question

Among halogens, Cl has higher electron affinity than F because:
  1. A
    F has very small size causing excessive e⁻-e⁻ repulsion in the compact 2p orbital
    Correct
  2. B
    Cl is larger
  3. C
    F has higher nuclear charge
  4. D
    Cl is more electronegative

Correct answer

F has very small size causing excessive e⁻-e⁻ repulsion in the compact 2p orbital

Explanation

Although F is more electronegative, adding an electron to the tiny 2p orbital of F causes significant electron-electron repulsion. Cl's larger 3p orbital accommodates the extra electron with less repulsion → Cl has higher EA. EA: Cl > F > Br > I.

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