Question

The order of relative ease of formation of various ions is
(A) F->0-2 > N-3
(B) N-3 > 0-2 > F-
(C) 0-2 > N-3 > F-
(D) F-> N-3 > 0-2​

Answer 1

The order of relative ease of formation of various ions

Explanation:

Option (a) $F^{-} > O^{-2} > N^{-3}$

The order of relative ease of formation of given ions is based on the requirement of energy by atom/ion to accept the electron.

1. In case of fluoride ion, only 1 electron is needed to achieve noble gas configuration. Fluorine atom will readily accept the electron and will become stable.

2. In case of oxygen atom, there is requirement of two electrons to get noble gas configuration. Oxygen will accept first electron readily but incoming second electron will face repulsion. This will increase the required energy.

3. In case of nitrogen, it requires three electrons to get to noble gas configuration. Nitrogen will accept first electron readily but incoming second and third electron will face great repulsion. This will drastically increase the required energy making this process less feasible.