CBSENEETJEEClass 11

What is electron gain enthalpy?

Answer

Electron gain enthalpy is the enthalpy change when one electron is added to an isolated gaseous atom in its ground state to form a gaseous anion.

The working

Definition

It is the energy change that occurs when a neutral gaseous atom gains an electron to become a negative ion.

Representation

For an atom X, the process is X(g) + e⁻ → X⁻(g), and the accompanying energy change is the electron gain enthalpy.

Sign

It is usually negative when energy is released, but positive for elements like noble gases that resist gaining electrons.

Periodic trend

It generally becomes more negative across a period as the atom more strongly attracts an added electron.

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