Problem 51 - 43 Years JEE ADVANCED (1978-2020) + JEE MAIN Chapterwise & Topicwise Solved Papers Chemistry

Question

The energy released when an electron is added to a neutral gaseous atom is called .......... of the atom.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Electron affinity.

Step 1: Understanding the Question

The question asks for the term used to describe the energy released when an electron is added to a neutral gaseous atom.

Step 2: Identifying the Term

The process of adding an electron to a neutral atom involves energy changes, and this process is specifically called 'electron affinity.'

Step 3: Explaining the Term

Electron affinity refers to the amount of energy released when an electron is added to a neutral atom in its gaseous state, resulting in the formation of a negative ion. This is an important concept in chemistry related to atomic properties.

Key Concepts

energy release

When an electron is added to a neutral atom, energy is either absorbed or released. In most cases, atoms release energy when they gain an electron, making the process exothermic. This release of energy is known as electron affinity.

During this process:

• The atom's stability increases due to lower energy levels.
• This transition reflects the tendency of the atom to gain electrons.
• Electron affinity can vary between elements, with some releasing more energy, indicating higher affinity for electrons.

Understanding energy release is crucial, as it provides insights into an atom's tendency to form negative ions. It also affects an element's chemical reactivity and formation of compounds. By measuring how much energy is released, scientists can determine how readily an atom undergoes chemical reactions.

gaseous atom

In the context of electron affinity, it is important to consider the state of the atom involved. The process of adding an electron and releasing energy specifically involves atoms in the gaseous state.

The significance of using gaseous atoms includes:

• Atoms are isolated and not influenced by neighboring atoms or molecules.
• This isolation allows for a clear measurement of the energy changes during the electron addition.
• It ensures consistent and reliable measurements across different elements.

Using gaseous atoms is key in ensuring that comparisons of electron affinities are valid. If atoms were in a different state, like solid or liquid, their interactions could skew the energy readings. Hence, gaseous atoms provide the ideal conditions for studying these atomic properties.

negative ion formation

The addition of an electron to a neutral atom not only releases energy but also converts the atom into a negative ion. This transformation is a fundamental part of electron affinity.

Key points about negative ion formation include:

• The atom gains a negative charge, evident from the extra electron.
• This negatively charged ion is known as an anion.
• Anions play essential roles in chemical bonding and the formation of compounds.

Understanding negative ion formation is vital for predicting how elements will interact in chemical reactions. For example, elements with high electron affinity are likely to form stable anions. These aspects are crucial in fields like materials science and environmental chemistry, where ion behavior influences many practical applications.