Select the element that will gain an electron most easily, based on the periodic trend.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The element that will gain an electron most easily is the one with the highest electron affinity, which is the tendency of an atom to accept an additional electron. Electron affinity generally increases from left to right and from bottom to top on the periodic table. Therefore, among the given options, the element with the highest electron affinity is S, which is in the top-right corner of the periodic table. Rb and Na are metals, which tend to lose electrons to become cations. Al is a metalloid, which can both gain and lose electrons. However, compared to S, it is in a lower period and has a lower electronegativity, so it is less likely to accept an electron.

Select the Element That Will Gain an Electron Most Easily