Question

Which set has the strongest tendency to form anions? (1) \(\mathrm{Ga}, \ln , \mathrm{Te}\) (2) \(\mathrm{Na}, \mathrm{M} \mathrm{g}, \mathrm{As}\) (3) \(\mathrm{N}, \mathrm{O}, \mathrm{F}\) (4) \(\mathrm{V}, \mathrm{Cr}, \mathrm{Mn}\)

Short answer

Set 3 (\text{N}, \text{O}, \text{F}) has the strongest tendency to form anions.

Step-by-step solution

- Identify Anions

Understand that anions are negatively charged ions, which means they gain electrons. Elements with a stronger tendency to gain electrons form anions more readily.

- Examine each set

Look at the periodic table to determine which elements in each set are more likely to gain electrons. Elements with a higher electronegativity are more likely to form anions.

- Analyze Set 1

Set 1 contains \( Ga, In, Te \). Gallium (Ga) and Indium (In) are metals, while Tellurium (Te) is a metalloid. Metals generally do not form anions as readily as non-metals.

- Analyze Set 2

Set 2 contains \( Na, Mg, As \). Sodium (Na) and Magnesium (Mg) are metals, while Arsenic (As) is a metalloid. Again, metals typically have a weaker tendency to form anions.

- Analyze Set 3

Set 3 contains \( N, O, F \). Nitrogen (N), Oxygen (O), and Fluorine (F) are all non-metals, which have high electronegativities and a strong tendency to gain electrons, forming anions.

- Analyze Set 4

Set 4 contains \( V, Cr, Mn \). Vanadium (V), Chromium (Cr), and Manganese (Mn) are all transition metals, and metals typically do not form anions easily.

- Conclusion

Based on the analysis, Set 3 (N, O, F) contains non-metals with high electronegativities and a strong tendency to form anions compared to the other sets.

Key concepts

Anions

Anions are negatively charged ions. They form when an atom gains one or more electrons. When an atom turns into an anion, it has more electrons than protons. This makes it negatively charged.

Anions are the opposite of cations, which are positively charged ions. Elements that are good at gaining electrons are more likely to form anions. These elements are typically found among non-metals on the periodic table.

• For example, Chlorine (Cl) often gains one electron to become Cl^-.
• Similarly, Oxygen (O) can gain two electrons to form O^2-.

In summary, if an element has a strong tendency to gain electrons, it is more likely to form an anion.

Electronegativity

Electronegativity is a measure of how strongly an atom attracts electrons. Elements with high electronegativity are good at gaining electrons. This makes them more likely to form anions.

For example, Fluorine (F) has the highest electronegativity of all elements. As a result, it has a strong tendency to gain an electron and form an anion. Other elements like Oxygen (O) and Nitrogen (N) also have high electronegativities.

• The higher the electronegativity, the stronger the tendency to gain electrons.
• Elements with lower electronegativities, like metals, are less likely to form anions.

In the exercise, Set 3 contains Nitrogen, Oxygen, and Fluorine. These elements have high electronegativities, so they have a strong tendency to form anions.

Periodic Table Groups

The periodic table arranges elements into groups based on similar properties. These groups help predict how elements behave, including their tendency to form anions.

• Groups 1 and 2 contain metals like Sodium (Na) and Magnesium (Mg). These metals have low electronegativities and do not form anions easily.
• Groups 15, 16, and 17 contain non-metals with medium to high electronegativities, like Nitrogen (N), Oxygen (O), and Fluorine (F). These elements readily form anions.
• Transition metals, found in groups 3 to 12, typically do not form anions because they have lower electronegativities.

Understanding the periodic table groups helps identify elements that will likely form anions. In the exercise, the elements in Set 3 all come from groups with high tendencies to gain electrons, forming anions.

Non-metals

Non-metals are elements that readily gain electrons. They are found on the right side of the periodic table. Because of their high electronegativities, non-metals are more likely to form anions.

• Examples of non-metals include Nitrogen (N), Oxygen (O), and Fluorine (F).
• These elements are good at attracting electrons, making them prone to forming negatively charged ions or anions.
• In contrast, metals, found on the left side of the periodic table, typically lose electrons and form cations instead of anions.

In the exercise, Set 3 contains only non-metals. This is why Set 3 has the strongest tendency to form anions. Non-metals like Nitrogen, Oxygen, and Fluorine are good at gaining electrons, making them likely anion formers.