Does anyone know why the 3rd row has the highest electron affinity?

[510586]

I know chad said to remember this, but does anyone know the actual reason behind it? I memorize better when I understand stuff usually instead of as a random fact.

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[RuffDay]

He was emphasizing that the electron affinity can only be view from left to right only if you want to compare which is the higher one.

 

[510586]

He was emphasizing that the electron affinity can only be view from left to right only if you want to compare which is the higher one.

Oh OK. I was checking my notes and he said third row is the only vertical important thing

 

[ekam]

Electron affinity increases going left to right. Its more exothermic and more negative
However there are exceptions to this rule
Noble gases, 2nd column (Be) and 5th column (N) have positive electron affinity and are endothermic. They like the way they are because they are stable. They don't want more electrons on them.