What is the Difference Between Electron Affinity and Electron Gain Enthalpy?

Electron affinity and electron gain enthalpy are related to the energy changes that occur when an atom gains an electron. The key difference between the two concepts is the sign of the energy value:

• Electron Affinity: This is the amount of energy released when an electron is added to a gaseous atom. The sign of electron affinity is positive, indicating that energy is absorbed by the surrounding when an electron is added to the atom.
• Electron Gain Enthalpy: This is a measure of the ability of an atom in a gaseous state to release energy when it gains electrons. The sign of electron gain enthalpy is negative, indicating that energy is released during the process.

In summary:

Both electron affinity and electron gain enthalpy represent the same chemical process, but they differ in the sign of the energy value. Electron gain enthalpy is sometimes also referred to as electron affinity, although there is a minute difference between the two terms.

Comparative Table: Electron Affinity vs Electron Gain Enthalpy

Electron affinity and electron gain enthalpy are related to the energy changes that occur when an atom gains an electron. Here is a table highlighting the differences between the two concepts:

In summary, electron affinity and electron gain enthalpy both describe the energy changes associated with the gain of an electron by an atom, but they represent different aspects of the process. Electron affinity focuses on the amount of energy released, while electron gain enthalpy measures the change in enthalpy when an electron is gained.