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Grade 12th passPhysical Chemistry

If electron affinity of a atom is 500 KJ/mol at 27°C then ∆Heg will be?

Profile image of Harekrushna Pradhan
8 Years agoGrade 12th pass
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ApprovedApproved Tutor Answer1 Year ago

To determine the enthalpy change for the process of atomization of an element, we need to understand the relationship between electron affinity and the enthalpy of atomization. In this case, you mentioned that the electron affinity of the atom is 500 kJ/mol at 27°C. Let's break down how we can find the enthalpy change of atomization (∆Heg) from this information.

Understanding Electron Affinity

Electron affinity is the amount of energy released when an electron is added to a neutral atom in the gas phase to form a negatively charged ion. A positive value for electron affinity indicates that energy is released during this process. In your case, an electron affinity of 500 kJ/mol means that when an electron is added to the atom, 500 kJ of energy is released per mole of atoms.

Relating Electron Affinity to Enthalpy of Atomization

The enthalpy of atomization (∆Heg) refers to the energy required to convert one mole of a substance from its standard state into gaseous atoms. For a neutral atom, this process can be thought of as the reverse of the electron affinity process. Thus, the enthalpy of atomization is essentially the energy needed to remove an electron from the negatively charged ion back to a neutral atom.

Calculating ∆Heg

Since the electron affinity is the energy released when an electron is added, the enthalpy change for the reverse process (removing the electron) will be equal in magnitude but opposite in sign. Therefore, we can express this relationship mathematically:

  • Electron Affinity (EA) = - ∆Heg

Given that the electron affinity is +500 kJ/mol, we can substitute this value into the equation:

  • ∆Heg = -EA = -500 kJ/mol

Thus, the enthalpy of atomization (∆Heg) for the atom in question is -500 kJ/mol. This negative sign indicates that energy is required to break the bond and convert the ion back to a neutral atom.

Final Thoughts

In summary, the enthalpy change for the atomization of the atom, given its electron affinity of 500 kJ/mol, is -500 kJ/mol. This relationship highlights the energy dynamics involved in the processes of electron addition and atomization, illustrating the fundamental principles of thermodynamics in atomic interactions.