Electron attachment enthalpy ($\Delta H_{\mathrm{attach}}^{\circ }(T)$)

An electron attachment enthalpy is the signed molar enthalpy change for a stated attachment reaction,For favourable attachment such as chlorine's first attachment, the electron attachment enthalpy is negative. Its leading isolated-ground-state energy contribution is $-N_{\mathrm{A}}{A}_{\mathrm{ea}}$, where $N_{\mathrm{A}}$ is the Avogadro constant. At finite temperature, consistent thermal populations, translational contributions and the $pV$ term in enthalpy must also be included, together with the same gaseous-Electron reference used in the corresponding ionization energy term. Consequently a measured spectroscopic electron affinity is not automatically an exact $298.15\mathrm{K}$ attachment enthalpy with a minus sign. A Born-Haber cycle must use compatible enthalpies throughout.