Question

The difference between electron gain enthalpies will be maximum between

• A. Ne and F
• B. Ne and Cl
• C. Ar and Cl
• D. Ar and F

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Solution: Difference in Electron Gain Enthalpy

Electron gain enthalpy refers to the energy change that occurs when an electron is added to an isolated gaseous atom to form a gaseous ion.

Explanation:

• Neon (Ne): Neon is a noble gas with a completely filled electronic configuration (1s² 2s² 2p⁶).
  • It has a stable structure, and adding an electron would require placing it in the higher energy 3s orbital.
  • As a result, the electron gain enthalpy of Neon is highly positive because energy is absorbed rather than released.
• Chlorine (Cl): Chlorine is a halogen with the electronic configuration (1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁵).
  • It has a high tendency to gain an electron to achieve a stable noble gas configuration (3p⁶).
  • The electron gain enthalpy of chlorine is highly negative, as energy is released when it gains an electron.

Conclusion: The difference in electron gain enthalpy between Neon and Chlorine is maximum because:

• Neon has a highly positive electron gain enthalpy.
• Chlorine has a highly negative electron gain enthalpy. 

This contrast makes the difference in electron gain enthalpies largest between Neon (Ne) and Chlorine (Cl).