Explain why the 2nd Electron aiffinity of Chlorine is Endothermic whilst the first electron affinity is exothermic

With the first electron affinity, the chlorine atom is one electron from a full octet ( and is a neutral species). When you add an electron to the chlorine, the negatively charged electron is electrostatically attracted to the positive charge of the nucleus. This results in the release of heat energy,(exothermic process) In contrast, when you are adding the second electron (2nd electron aiffinity) this time you are adding a negatively charged electron to a negative ion. This results in repulsion, you need to put in energy to overcome the repulsive forces, resulting in the process being endothermic

HC
Answered by Hayden C. Chemistry tutor

9728 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

At what temperature would 0.05 moles of nitrogen gas occupy 1000cm^3 at 50kPa?


which element has a lower first ionisation energy, Magnesium or Aluminium?


(Essay question) How are cycles important in biology?


How do amino acids change at different pH?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning