What does ∆H represent in the following equation ? Cl(g) + e- → CI- (g); ∆H = - 363 kJ mol-1

What does ∆H represent in the following equation ? Cl_(g) + e- → CI- _(g); ∆H = - 363 kJ mol-¹

Answer Details

In the given equation, ∆H represents the Electron affinity. Electron affinity is the energy change that occurs when an atom in the gas phase gains an electron to form a negative ion. The negative value of ∆H in the equation indicates that energy is released when an electron is added to the chlorine atom to form a chloride ion.