Which among the following pair of elements would have a more negative electron gain enthalpy? F or Cl Explain.
In F, the electron will be added to quantum level n = 2, but in Cl, the electron is added to quantum level n = 3. Therefore, there are less electron- electron repulsions in Cl and an additional electron can be accommodated easily. Hence, the electron gain enthalpy of Cl is more negative than that of F.