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.
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.