NEETChemistryp Block Elements (Group 15, 16, 17 & 18)
Why does fluorine have a less negative electron gain enthalpy compared to chlorine?
Options
- ASmaller size of fluorine atom
- BGreater electron affinity of fluorine
- CStrong attraction in 2p orbitals of fluorine
- DLarger atomic radius of fluorine
Correct answer
A. Smaller size of fluorine atom
Step-by-step solution
Fluorine has a less negative electron gain enthalpy compared to chlorine due to the smaller size of the fluorine atom, which results in strong interelectronic repulsions in its relatively small 2p orbitals. This makes the incoming electron not experience as much attraction.**