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Why do all of the noble gases have electron affinities greater than zero?

Answer 1

All of the Noble Gases actually have electron affinities of less than or equal to 0.

This is due to the fact that every noble gas has an entire set of eight electrons in its valence electron shell.

Consider the number 8 as the ideal car for everyone. Since the Noble Gases already possess a complete electron shell with 8 electrons, they have an affinity of 0. Most elements 'want' to have that 'perfect status'.

Since nobility gases have the perfect number of eight electrons and do not 'want' any more electrons, there is no change in the atom's energy when an electron is added. This is known as affinity.

p.s. They are the least reactive items on the table for the same reason.

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Answer 2

Mateo Aguilar

All noble gases have electron affinities greater than zero because they have full outer electron shells, resulting in a stable configuration.

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Answer from HIX Tutor

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.