Question

which of the following statements about electron affinity are true? select all that apply.

electron affinity is the energy change that occurs when an atom loses an electron.

an atom with a higher electron affinity will release a smaller amount of energy.

an atom with a higher electron affinity will release a greater amount of energy.

electron affinity is the energy change that occurs when an atom gains an electron.

for the majority of atoms, energy is released when an electron is added to the atom.

for the majority of atoms, energy is absorbed when an electron is added to the atom

Explanation:

• Electron affinity is defined as the energy change when an atom gains an electron. So, the statement "Electron affinity is the energy change that occurs when an atom gains an electron" is correct.
• When an atom has a higher electron affinity, it has a stronger tendency to gain an electron. And when it gains an electron, a greater amount of energy is released. So, "An atom with a higher electron affinity will release a greater amount of energy" is correct.
• For most atoms, when an electron is added, the system becomes more stable (lower in energy), and energy is released. So, "For the majority of atoms, energy is released when an electron is added to the atom" is correct.

Answer:

• An atom with a higher electron affinity will release a greater amount of energy.
• Electron affinity is the energy change that occurs when an atom gains an electron.
• For the majority of atoms, energy is released when an electron is added to the atom.