Arrange S, O and Se in ascending order of electron affinity
(a) Se < S < O
(b) Se < O < S
(c) S < O < Se
(d) S < Se < O
Dear Student,
The correct increasing order of electron affinity is:
O < Se < S
Due to the small size and high electron density of the oxygen atom compared to the sulphur atom, inter electronic repulsion is more in the oxygen atom resulting in less energy being released when an electron is added.
Again down the group, metallic character increases and increasing screening effect leads to lower electron affinity of selenium compared to sulphur.
Oxygen has minimum electron affinity in the family.
Regards
The correct increasing order of electron affinity is:
O < Se < S
Due to the small size and high electron density of the oxygen atom compared to the sulphur atom, inter electronic repulsion is more in the oxygen atom resulting in less energy being released when an electron is added.
Again down the group, metallic character increases and increasing screening effect leads to lower electron affinity of selenium compared to sulphur.
Oxygen has minimum electron affinity in the family.
Regards