[Boxxxed]

There is a force between an atom and electrons. When the electron attaches to an atom isn't energy gained within the atom? Energy would be released if the electron breaks away right?

It says in my book that energy is released if an electron attaches to an atom to form a negative ion.

I'm not sure what this means, it's a bit ambiguous to me. Could someone clear this up for me.

[Boxxxed]

Alright, I understand my question above now.