Question

N atoms have a high electronegativity. However, N atoms have no electron affinity, meaning that N atoms do not attract electrons. Explain how and why these facts are not inconsistent.

Answer 1

Electronegativity is different from electron affinity. Electronegativity is considered when an atom is covalently bonded to another atom where as electron affinity considered for neutral atom. Let us see the definitions for these two

Electronegativity: It may be defined as the tendency of an atom to attract the covelently bonded electrons towards itself.

Electron affinity: The amount of energy released when an electron is added to neutral gaseous atom.

Nitrogen atoms have high electronegativity but they are not ready to take the electrons, this indicates that nitrogen attracts the electrons when it is bonded to another low electronegative atoms but nitrogen atom does not attract electrons when it is present as neutral atom.

Nitrogen atom in neutral state it has 2s2 2p3 electronic configuration in which there is a half filled 2p subshell so it gives stability to the atom and this atom do not want to take the electrons. So electron it has very low electron affinity.