The one with lowest electron affinity in group 16 is

Options

A. Oxygen
B. Sulphur
C. Selenium
D. Tellurium

Answer

To determine which element in Group 16 has the lowest electron affinity, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the Elements in Group 16
Group 16 of the periodic table includes the following elements:
- Oxygen (O)
- Sulfur (S)
- Selenium (Se)
- Tellurium (Te)
- Polonium (Po)

### Step 2: Understand Electron Affinity
Electron affinity is defined as the amount of energy released when an electron is added to a neutral atom in the gas phase. A higher electron affinity indicates a greater tendency to accept an electron.

### Step 3: Analyze the Trend in Electron Affinity
As we move down the group from Oxygen to Polonium, the atomic size increases due to the addition of electron shells. This increase in size generally leads to a decrease in electron affinity because the added electron is further from the nucleus and experiences less attraction.

### Step 4: Consider the Specific Case of Oxygen
Oxygen, being the smallest atom in Group 16, has a unique situation. Although it can attract an electron due to its small size, the addition of an electron leads to significant electron-electron repulsion among the electrons already present. This repulsion can make the addition of an electron less favorable, resulting in a lower electron affinity.

### Step 5: Compare Electron Affinities of the Elements
- **Sulfur (S)** has a higher electron affinity than Oxygen because it has a larger atomic size, which reduces electron-electron repulsion when an electron is added.
- **Selenium (Se)**, **Tellurium (Te)**, and **Polonium (Po)** have even lower electron affinities as we move down the group due to increasing atomic size.

### Conclusion
Based on the analysis, Oxygen has the lowest electron affinity in Group 16 due to its small size and the resulting electron-electron repulsion when an additional electron is added.

### Final Answer
**Oxygen (O)** has the lowest electron affinity in Group 16.

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