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Question:

Electron affinity is positive when:

Ochanges intoO+

electron affinity is always negative

Ochanges toO−

O−changes intoO2−

Solution:

When O⁻ changes to O²⁻, change is endothermic because O⁻ repels the incoming electron due to similar charge, hence, it needs energy to accept the electron. The second electron affinity of oxygen is particularly high because the electron is being forced into a small, very electron-dense space. So, electron affinity is positive