Question

How does the chemical reactivity of halogens vary?

Answer 1

• The ability of an atom to lose or gain electrons in order to participate in any chemical reaction is termed as reactivity.
• Elements present in Group 17 or VIIA of the periodic table are termed as halogens. It includes Fluorine (F), Chlorine (Cl), Bromine (Br), Iodine (I), Astatine (At), and Tennessine (Ts).
• On moving down the Group in halogens, the atomic size of atoms increases due to an increase in the number of shells. As the size of an atom increases, the attraction for the incoming electrons towards the nucleus decreases which leads to a decrease in reactivity. Hence, the reactivity of halogens decreases down the Group.
• In Group 17, Fluorine (F) is present at the top of the Group followed by Chlorine, Bromine, Iodine, Astatine, and Tennessine.
• Since the reactivity of halogens decreases on moving down the Group, Fluorine is the most reactive halogen followed by Chlorine, Bromine, Iodine, Astatine, and Tennessine.