The quantity of energy released when a neutral atom of a given element combines with an electron to form a negative ion; (hence) a measure of an element's tendency to act as an oxidizing agent.
Origin
Early 20th century; earliest use found in Chemical Abstracts.
Definition of electron affinity in US English:
electron affinity
noun
Chemistry
The quantity of energy released when a neutral atom of a given element combines with an electron to form a negative ion; (hence) a measure of an element's tendency to act as an oxidizing agent.
Origin
Early 20th century; earliest use found in Chemical Abstracts.