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

11287 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

State and explain the evidence for the delocalisation of electrons in benzene (6 marks)


Describe the conditions used in the Haber Process and explain briefly why they are used.


Why does the solubility of Group 2 hydroxides in water increase down the group?


The Aldehyde CH3CH2CHO (A) reacts with HCN to give a racemic mixture, name the compound CH3CH2CH(CN)OH (B) formed and explain why we get a racemic mixture and how we could differentiate between two different enantiomerically pure solutions of B


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning