Question:

The correct order of electron affinity is :

Show Hint

Chlorine has the highest electron affinity here; F is lower because of strong inter-electronic repulsion in its small 2p subshell, and O is much lower.
Updated On: Nov 11, 2026
  • F > Cl > O
  • F > O > Cl
  • Cl > F > O
  • O > F > Cl
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Electron affinity (energy released on adding an electron) in kJ/mol: Cl = 349, F = 328, O = 141 (first electron gain).
Cl is higher than F because in the compact 2p subshell of F the added electron suffers strong repulsion from the existing electrons; the larger 3p subshell of Cl accommodates it better.
O has a lower nuclear charge than F, so its electron affinity is the lowest of the three.
Order: Cl > F > O.
Answer: (3) Cl > F > O
Was this answer helpful?
0
0

Top JEE Main Chemical bonding and molecular structure Questions

View More Questions