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Topic: Why is the electron affinity of boron less than that of lithium?  (Read 4802 times)

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Offline alexmahone

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Why is the electron affinity of boron less than that of lithium?
« on: July 02, 2012, 11:06:42 PM »
In general, electron affinity increases across a period. Then why is the electron affinity of boron (27 kJ/mol) less than that of lithium (60 kJ/mol)?
« Last Edit: July 02, 2012, 11:22:48 PM by alexmahone »
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Offline Schrödinger

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Re: Why is the electron affinity of boron less than that of lithium?
« Reply #1 on: July 03, 2012, 01:33:21 AM »
I guess its because Li goes from half filled 2s to fully filled 2s. But B on the other hand, on gaining an electron doesnt get that sort of help from its p-orbital, which continues to be partially filled.
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Offline alexmahone

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Re: Why is the electron affinity of boron less than that of lithium?
« Reply #2 on: July 03, 2012, 02:23:50 AM »
Quote from: Schrödinger on July 03, 2012, 01:33:21 AM
I guess its because Li goes from half filled 2s to fully filled 2s. But B on the other hand, on gaining an electron doesnt get that sort of help from its p-orbital, which continues to be partially filled.

Thanks a lot!
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