Question

which of the following statements about electron affinity are true? select all that apply. an atom with a higher electron affinity will release a greater amount of energy. an atom with a higher electron affinity will release a smaller amount of energy. for the majority of atoms, energy is absorbed when an electron is added to the atom. electron affinity is the energy change that occurs when an atom loses an electron. 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.

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.
• Atoms with higher electron affinity have a greater tendency to gain electrons. When they gain electrons, more 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 (to form a negative ion), energy is released (exothermic process). 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.