Rank the following elements by electron affinity, from most positive to most negative EA value.
Rank from most positive to most negative. To rank items as equivalent, overlap them.
argon,sodium,iodine,oxygen,phosphorus
Sodium, Iodine, Oxygen, Phosphorus, Argon
To rank these elements by electron affinity from most positive to most negative EA value, we need to consider their tendency to gain an electron. The higher the electron affinity value, the greater the ability of an element to accept an electron. Here is the ranking:
1. Iodine
2. Oxygen
3. Phosphorus
4. Argon
5. Sodium
It is important to note that while sodium has the most negative electron affinity value in this list, it has a positive value overall, indicating a lower tendency to accept an electron compared to the other elements.
To rank the elements by electron affinity, we need to understand what electron affinity is. Electron affinity refers to the energy change that occurs when an atom gains an electron to form a negative ion.
One way to determine the relative electron affinities of the given elements is to examine their positions on the periodic table. Generally, as we move from left to right across a period, the electron affinity increases, while moving down a group, the electron affinity tends to decrease.
Now let's analyze the elements one by one and rank them according to their electron affinity:
1. Argon (Ar) - As argon belongs to Group 18 (Noble Gases) and has a fully filled valence shell, it has a low tendency to gain an extra electron. Therefore, its electron affinity is minimal, or even slightly positive.
2. Sodium (Na) - Sodium is located in Group 1 (Alkali Metals). To achieve a stable electron configuration, alkali metals like sodium tend to lose their valence electrons rather than gain additional ones. Therefore, sodium has a low electron affinity value.
3. Iodine (I) - Iodine is located in Group 17 (Halogens). Halogens have a high tendency to gain an electron and achieve a stable octet. Therefore, iodine has a significant negative electron affinity.
4. Oxygen (O) - Oxygen is located in Group 16 (Chalcogens). Chalcogens have a moderate tendency to gain electrons to complete their valence shell. Thus, oxygen has a negative electron affinity but is lower than iodine.
5. Phosphorus (P) - Phosphorus is located in Group 15 (Pnictogens). Pnictogens have a relatively higher electron affinity compared to oxygen but lower than iodine. Therefore, phosphorus has a moderately negative electron affinity.
Ranking the elements from most positive to most negative electron affinity:
Argon > Sodium ≈ Oxygen > Phosphorus > Iodine