Halogens are known for which tendency?

Halogens are known for which tendency?

• A. They are in Group 18
• B. They tend to form salts with other elements
• C. They are very unreactive
• D. They are in Group 17

Answer: (B)

Halogens are highly reactive nonmetals that sit in Group 17. They have seven valence electrons, so they readily gain one electron to complete their outer shell, forming a -1 ion. That strong drive to reach a full octet makes them eager to react with metals and produce ionic compounds, i.e., salts. A classic example is chlorine combining with sodium to form sodium chloride. In contrast, noble gases in Group 18 are very unreactive, which is why the tendency to form salts is the defining behavior of halogens. Halogens are not in Group 18, and their reactivity (not unreactivity) drives salt formation.

Halogens are highly reactive nonmetals that sit in Group 17. They have seven valence electrons, so they readily gain one electron to complete their outer shell, forming a -1 ion. That strong drive to reach a full octet makes them eager to react with metals and produce ionic compounds, i.e., salts. A classic example is chlorine combining with sodium to form sodium chloride. In contrast, noble gases in Group 18 are very unreactive, which is why the tendency to form salts is the defining behavior of halogens. Halogens are not in Group 18, and their reactivity (not unreactivity) drives salt formation.