1. (symbol: A or Ea; unit: electronvolt) The energy released when an electron becomes attached to an atom or molecule to form a negative ion. Many atoms or molecules have a positive electron affinity, i.e. the negative ion is more stable than the neutral species.
2. (symbol: χ; unit: electronvolt) The difference in energy between the bottom of the conduction band, Ec, in a semiconductor and the vacuum level, i.e. the energy of free space outside the semiconductor. Compare work function.