Elements of which of the following sets has the strongest tendency to form anions?

Options

A. N, O and F
B. Ga, In and Te
C. Na, Mg and Al
D. V, Cr and Mn

Answer

To determine which set of elements has the strongest tendency to form anions, we need to analyze the properties of the elements in each set. Anions are formed when an atom gains electrons. Typically, nonmetals have a stronger tendency to gain electrons and form anions compared to metals, which tend to lose electrons and form cations.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Nature of Elements**:
- We need to look at the elements in each option and categorize them as metals or nonmetals. Nonmetals are generally more electronegative and have a greater tendency to gain electrons.

2. **Analyze the Options**:
- **Option A**: Nitrogen (N), Oxygen (O), Fluorine (F) - All are nonmetals.
- **Option B**: Metals (e.g., Sodium, Potassium) - Metals typically lose electrons to form cations.
- **Option C**: Transition metals - These are also metals and tend to form cations.
- **Option D**: Metalloids and metals - Similar to the previous options, these elements are more likely to lose electrons.

3. **Determine Anion Formation**:
- Nonmetals like nitrogen, oxygen, and fluorine have high electronegativities and readily gain electrons to form anions:
- Nitrogen can gain three electrons to form N³⁻.
- Oxygen can gain two electrons to form O²⁻.
- Fluorine can gain one electron to form F⁻.

4. **Conclusion**:
- Since nonmetals have a strong tendency to gain electrons and form anions, the set containing Nitrogen, Oxygen, and Fluorine (Option A) has the strongest tendency to form anions.

### Final Answer:
**The elements of the set Nitrogen, Oxygen, and Fluorine have the strongest tendency to form anions.**