Simple Chemistry Question...

[Brandie28]

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If an atom's valence electrons are tightly held then we expect...
A. High Ionization energy and a Low Electron Affinity
B. High Ionization energy and a High Electron Affinity
C. Low Ionization energy and a Low Electron Affinity
D. Low Ionization energy and a High Electron Affinity

I thought it would be B...but my material says A??? Can someone explain this to me??

 

[mike1618]

It is possible that they are considering electron affinity negative and thus are calling it "low". When you move left to right across a period ionization energy increases and electron affinity becomes more negative (exothermic). That is a very misleading question.

 

[Brandie28]

Oh I see...I don't like that question...very misleading! Thanks!!

 

[qannoon]

If an atom's valence electrons are tightly held then we expect...
A. High Ionization energy and a Low Electron Affinity
B. High Ionization energy and a High Electron Affinity
C. Low Ionization energy and a Low Electron Affinity
D. Low Ionization energy and a High Electron Affinity

I thought it would be B...but my material says A??? Can someone explain this to me??

since ionization energy and electroaffinity increase across a period from left to right which is analogically true for electronegativity which makes high attraction for two outer elctrons during bond formation.that set![qannoon]

 

[qannoon]

since ionization energy and electroaffinity increase across a period from left to right which is analogically true for electronegativity which makes high attraction for two outer elctrons during bond formation.that set![qannoon]

 

[Kaustikos]

It is possible that they are considering electron affinity negative and thus are calling it "low". When you move left to right across a period ionization energy increases and electron affinity becomes more negative (exothermic). That is a very misleading question.

Pretty much. This was obviously a trick question made to have the person understand that the measure of electron affinity is done by the amount of energy released by the hypothetical binding of electrons. More negative/more exothermic = greater energy release which means it has a greater affinity for electrons.

Bad wording of the answers, imo.