Elements of which of the following groups will form anions most readily?

Question

Elements of which of the following groups will form anions most readily? (A) Oxygen family (B) Nitrogen family (C) Halogens (D) Alkali metals

Tardigrade Admin · Accepted Answer

Halogens have maximum electron gain enthalpy due to the fact that the atoms of these elements have only one electron less than the stable noble gas (ns2np6) configuration. Therefore, they have maximum tendency to accept the electron to form negative ion (anion).

Q. Elements of which of the following groups will form anions most readily?

Oxygen family

Nitrogen family

Halogens

Alkali metals

Halogens have maximum electron gain enthalpy due to the fact that the atoms of these elements have only one electron less than the stable noble gas $(n s^{2} n p^{6})$ configuration. Therefore, they have maximum tendency to accept the electron to form negative ion (anion).