How does the octet rule influence electron affinity trends across a period?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking how the octet rule, which states that atoms tend to gain, lose or share electrons to achieve a valence shell with eight electrons, affects the trends of electron affinity as you move across a period in the periodic table. This involves understanding both concepts and their relationship in atomic behavior.
Answer
The octet rule causes electron affinity to generally increase across a period as atoms approach a stable octet.
The octet rule influences electron affinity trends across a period by increasing electron affinity from left to right due to atoms getting closer to having a complete octet configuration, which makes them more likely to release energy when gaining electrons.
Answer for screen readers
The octet rule influences electron affinity trends across a period by increasing electron affinity from left to right due to atoms getting closer to having a complete octet configuration, which makes them more likely to release energy when gaining electrons.
More Information
Across a period, the electron configuration generally moves towards filling the valence shell, which means more energy is released as electrons are added. This contributes to a higher electron affinity closer to the noble gases.
Tips
A common mistake is forgetting that the actual measure of electron affinity can vary due to subshell configurations and exceptions, despite the general trend.
Sources
- How does electron affinity fit into the concepts behind the Octet rule? - reddit.com
- Periodic Trends - Chemistry LibreTexts - chem.libretexts.org
- How does the octet rule affect periodic trends? - Socratic - socratic.org
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