Electron affinity is the amount of energy released when an atom gains an electron to form a negative ion. This process is important in understanding how atoms interact and bond with each other. Generally, elements with high electron affinity tend to attract electrons more strongly, making them more reactive. Different elements have varying electron affinities, influenced by their atomic structure. For example, halogens like fluorine have high electron affinities, while noble gases like neon have very low or even zero electron affinity. This property helps explain the behavior of elements in chemical reactions and the formation of compounds.