Why is the electron affinity of nitrogen is less than carbon?
Answers
Electron affinity is defined as the energy that is linked with the addition of electron to the gaseous atom and it decreases across period. Electron affinity of carbon is more than nitrogen because nitrogen is more stable as compared to carbon due to its half filled p orbital. The p orbital of carbon is empty and it is unstable due to which its affinity to gain incoming electron increases.
Carbon – atomic number -6
Electronic configuration – 1s² 2s² 2p¹ₓ 2py¹
Where as nitrogen- Atomic number -7-
Electronic configuration – 1s² 2s² 2p¹ₓ 2py¹ 2pz¹
In nitrogen the 2p³ orbital is half filled .
As we know that half filled or full filled orbitals have more / greater stability.
Therefore the addition of more electrons is difficult.
In carbon its nether half filled or fulfilled .
Therefore it can easily acquire more electrons .
Hence electron affinity of nitrogen is less than carbon