electron affinity

noun

UK /ɪˈlɛk.trɒn əˈfɪn.ɪ.ti/

US /ɪˈlɛk.trɑːn əˈfɪn.ə.ti/

Electron affinity is how much an atom wants to grab an extra electron.

Chlorine has a high electron affinity, so it easily takes an extra electron.

SYNONYMS

electron capture energy electron gain enthalpy electron attachment energy electron avidity

RELATED WORDS

ionization energy electronegativity valence electron atom chemical bond

OTHER MEANINGS

2. The energy released when an electron is added to a neutral atom or molecule.

The electron affinity of fluorine is very large, releasing lots of energy.

3. A measure of how strongly a chemical species attracts electrons.

Scientists compare electron affinity to predict which elements form negative ions.

4. The tendency of a surface or material to accept electrons.

The metal's electron affinity affects how it reacts with other substances.