Electron gain enthalpies of halogens are largely negative. Explain.

Explanation

When an isolated gaseous atom accepts one electron, energy is released and hence its electron gain enthalpy is negative. Since halogens have one electron less than the nearest inert gas configuration, therefore, they have a strong tendency to accept an additional electron and hence have negative electron gain enthalpies. Further since electron gain enthalpy becomes less and less negative (but still remains negative) as we move down the group form F to I, therefore, electron gain enthalpies of halogens are largely negative.