. . . . . . . . has the largest electron affinity?

Solution (By Examveda Team)

Electron affinity refers to the amount of energy released when an electron is added to a neutral atom to form a negative ion. Among the options provided, fluorine (F) has the highest electron affinity. Fluorine has the smallest atomic size among the options, resulting in a higher effective nuclear charge and thus a stronger attraction for an additional electron, leading to the highest electron affinity among the given elements.

Option A: I
Iodine (I) has a relatively low electron affinity compared to other halogens. While iodine does have a notable electron affinity, it is lower than the other options provided. Therefore, iodine does not have the largest electron affinity among the options.

Option B: Br
Bromine (Br) has a higher electron affinity than iodine but is still lower than fluorine and chlorine. Bromine is larger in size compared to fluorine and chlorine, resulting in a weaker attraction for additional electrons. Therefore, bromine does not have the largest electron affinity among the options.

Option C: F
Fluorine (F) has the highest electron affinity among the options provided. Fluorine is the smallest halogen with the highest effective nuclear charge, resulting in the strongest attraction for an additional electron. Thus, fluorine has the largest electron affinity among the given elements.

Option D: Cl
Chlorine (Cl) has a higher electron affinity than bromine and iodine but is still lower than fluorine. Chlorine is smaller than bromine and iodine but larger than fluorine, leading to a moderate attraction for additional electrons. Therefore, chlorine does not have the largest electron affinity among the options provided.