Compare and contrast ionisation energy and elec... - SS2 Chemistry Atomic Structure and Periodicity Question

Ionisation energy and electron affinity are both related to the behaviour of electrons in atoms, but they represent different processes.

Ionisation energy refers to the energy required to remove an electron from an atom or ion in the gaseous state. It measures the energy needed to overcome the attractive forces between the electron and the nucleus. Higher ionisation energy indicates a stronger hold on electrons and a higher tendency to lose electrons.

Electron affinity, on the other hand, refers to the energy change that occurs when an atom or ion in the gaseous state gains an electron to form a negatively charged ion. It measures the energy released or absorbed when an electron is added to an atom. Higher electron affinity indicates a stronger attraction for electrons and a higher tendency to gain electrons.