The likelihood of a neutral atom gaining an electron is known as:
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 3 i.e. electron affinity.
The likelihood of a neutral atom gaining an electron is known as electron affinity. It is defined as the energy change that occurs when an electron is added to a neutral atom in its gaseous state to form a negative ion. A higher (more negative) electron affinity indicates a greater tendency for an atom to accept an electron, making it more stable upon gaining an electron. Electronegativity, on the other hand, describes an atom's ability to attract electrons in a chemical bond.