Which one among the following elements has the most negative electron gain enthalpy ?
F
Cl
P
S
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UPSC Geoscientist – 2024
Fluorine (F) and Chlorine (Cl) are halogens (Group 17), which generally have high (very negative) electron gain enthalpies because adding an electron gives them a stable noble gas configuration. Phosphorus (P) and Sulfur (S) are in periods 3. P is in Group 15, S is in Group 16.
Electron gain enthalpy generally becomes more negative across a period and less negative down a group.
Halogens (Group 17) have the most negative electron gain enthalpies. Comparing F and Cl, due to the small size of F, the added electron experiences significant electron-electron repulsion in the compact 2p subshell. In Cl, the added electron enters the larger 3p subshell, where repulsions are less significant. Consequently, Cl has a more negative electron gain enthalpy than F.
Comparing P and S: S (Group 16) has a more negative electron gain enthalpy than P (Group 15). Adding an electron to S (3p⁴) gives a stable 3p⁵ configuration. Adding an electron to P (3p³) disrupts the stable half-filled configuration, making it less favorable, leading to a less negative or even positive electron gain enthalpy for P.
Generally, electron gain enthalpy order for these elements is approximately: P < S < F < Cl (from least negative to most negative). Therefore, Cl has the most negative electron gain enthalpy among the given options.