Electron affinity (data page)

Electron affinity is a measure of the energy change that occurs when an electron is added to a neutral atom in the gas phase to form a negatively charged ion (anion). It provides insight into how easily an atom can gain an electron and is an important factor in understanding chemical reactivity and the formation of ions. ### Key Points about Electron Affinity: 1. **Definition**: - Electron affinity is defined as the amount of energy released or absorbed when an electron is attached to a neutral atom.