Why is the electron affinity so positive for the noble gas elements?
A)The added electron would have to go into a new shell.
B)The added electron would have to be added into the half-filled p subshell.
C)The added electron would have to be added into the p subshell.
D)The noble gas elements are diatomic elements.
E)Electrons can't be added to gases.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Noble gas elements have a completed outer electron shell, making it difficult to add an additional electron into an already stable configuration. As such, the electron affinity (the energy released when an atom gains an extra electron) is positive for these elements. Adding an electron would require it to go into a new shell, which requires a significant amount of energy.

Why Is the Electron Affinity So Positive for the Noble