What is the electron affinity of oxygen?

1 Answer
Nov 8, 2015

Electron affinity is defined as the enthalpy change when 1 mol of atoms, accepts 1 mol of electrons to form 1 mol of anions. Both reactants and products are specified to be in the gas phase.

Explanation:

So, electron affinity measures enthalpy change for the following reaction:

#E(g) + e^(-) rarr E^(-)(g)#. Where #E# is the generic element.

I have no idea what it is for #O#. Because oxygen is towards the right of the Periodic Table I suspect it will be negative. Why can I make this assessment?