Releasing Energy from Processes: Electrons & Ions

[physicsman2]

Homework Statement

Which of the following processes release energy to the surroundings?
-Removing an electron from a neutral atom
-Separating a sodium ion (Na+) from a chloride ion (Cl-)
-Removing an electron from a positively charged ion
-Elevation of an electron from a lower energy level to a higher energy level within the same neutral atom
-Adding an electron to a neutral halogen atom

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

i have no idea but why is it the last one, i can't understand why adding an electron to a neutral halogen atom will release energy to the surroundings

 

[windwitch]

Try relating the stability of a molecule to the amount of potential energy it has when adding an electron to an already stable molecule.

 

[Blueshift5]

I can provide an explanation for why adding an electron to a neutral halogen atom will release energy to the surroundings. This process is known as electron affinity, and it is the energy released when an electron is added to a neutral atom to form a negative ion. This energy is released because the added electron is attracted to the positively charged nucleus of the atom, and as it moves closer, it releases energy in the form of heat or light. This is similar to the process of removing an electron from a positively charged ion, where the electron is also attracted to the positively charged nucleus and releases energy as it moves closer. Therefore, both of these processes release energy to the surroundings.