Question detail
Explain why elements in Group 17 of the periodic table are known as halogens and predict the reactivity trend as you move down the group.
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
Question
Type
exam_style
Style
Topic
The periodic table
Question
Explain why elements in Group 17 of the periodic table are known as halogens and predict the reactivity trend as you move down the group.
Answer
Elements in Group 17 are known as halogens because they are highly reactive non-metals that form salts when they react with metals. As you move down the group, the reactivity decreases due to the increasing atomic size and the shielding effect, which makes it harder for these elements to gain an electron.
Explanation
This question assesses the student's understanding of group trends in the periodic table, specifically regarding the halogens. It requires knowledge of reactivity trends and the underlying reasons for these trends.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Reactivity Trends
Students often predict that all elements in a group will react in the same way without considering their specific positions within the group.
To fix this, students should analyze the specific element's atomic number and outer-shell electron configuration to understand its reactivity compared to other elements in the same group.
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