Question

Hydrogen resembles halogens in many respects for which several factors are responsible. Of the following factors which one is the most important in this respect?

• A. Its tendency to lose an electron to form a cation
• B. It tendency to gain a single electron in its valence shell to attain stable electronic configuration
• C. Its low negative electron gain enthalpy value
• D. Its small size

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

It tendency to gain a single electron in its valence shell to attain stable electronic configuration

Hydrogen resembles halogens as it has similar tendency to gain a single electron to attain stable noble gas configuration. The electronic configuration of hydrogen is $1s^1$. It needs one more electron to attain stable electronic configuration of hellium, a noble gas. The electronic configuration of halogen is $n{s}^{2}n{p}^5$. It needs one more electron to attain stable electronic configuration of a noble gas.