Identify the set of elements in which they are arranged in the increasing order of electron gain enthalpies.

The formation of the oxide ion,$O^{2-}_{(g)}$ from an oxygen atom requires first an exothermic and then an endothermic step as shown below:
$O_{(g)} + e^- \to O^{-}_{(g)} ; \Delta_f H^o = -141 \ kJ \ mol^{-1}$
$O^{-}_{(g)} + e^- \to O^{2-}_{(g)} ; \Delta_f H^o = +780 \ kJ \ mol^{-1}$
Thus,the process of formation of $O^{2-}$ in the gas phase is unfavourable even though $O^{2-}$ is isoelectronic with neon. This is due to the fact that,

The formation of the oxide ion $O^{2-}_{(g)}$ requires first an exothermic and then an endothermic step as shown below:
$O_{(g)} + e^{-} \to O^{-}_{(g)}; \Delta H = -142 \, kJ \, mol^{-1}$
$O^{-}_{(g)} + e^{-} \to O^{2-}_{(g)}; \Delta H = 844 \, kJ \, mol^{-1}$
This is because:

Would you expect the second electron gain enthalpy of $O$ to be positive,more negative,or less negative than the first? Justify your answer.

The correct order of electron affinity is:

Among the following configurations,the element which has the highest electron affinity is