Single-electron-detachment (SED) cross sections for 5-30 keV Cu − , Ag − and Au − in collision with Ar are measured. The SED cross sections increase as the incident velocity increases. These data are compared with other available experimental data of Li − , Na − , K − , and H − in collision with the same target, argon. The scaling law of n e /E 2 is obtained where n e is the number of the participating electrons for anions and E is the affinity energy of anions. For transition elements, the participating electrons in the electron detachment process are not only from the outmost shell.