What are the general outer electron configurations (nsx npy) for groups 6A and 7A in the periodic table? The electron affinity of each group 7A element is more negative than that of each corresponding group 6A element. Use the electron configurations to explain why this is so.

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1. Identify the general outer electron configuration for group 6A elements, which is \( ns^2 np^4 \).
2. Identify the general outer electron configuration for group 7A elements, which is \( ns^2 np^5 \).
3. Understand that group 7A elements have one more electron in the p orbital compared to group 6A elements, making them one electron short of a full octet.
4. Recognize that group 7A elements have a strong tendency to gain an electron to achieve a stable noble gas configuration, resulting in a more negative electron affinity.
5. Explain that group 6A elements, while also tending to gain electrons, are less eager than group 7A elements because they need to gain two electrons to achieve a full octet, leading to a less negative electron affinity.