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Halogens (Group 7) - Properties

Elements in group 7 in the periodic table are called halogens. Halogens have 7 electrons in their outer shell. They are very reactive because they easily accept an electron into this outer shell. They have similar properties and react in similar ways.

7 outer electrons

7 outer electrons

  • Halogens are in group 7 and so have 7 electrons in their outer shell.
  • When they react, they gain 1 electron to get a full outer shell.
  • By gaining 1 electron, they form a negative ion.
Diatomic molecules

Diatomic molecules

  • In their elemental form, halogens share electrons to make diatomic molecules (molecules made of pairs of atoms).
Salts

Salts

  • When a metal atom transfers its outer electron to a non-metal atom (like a group 7 atom), salts are formed.
  • The result is a compound where all the ions have a full outer shell.
Reactivity

Reactivity

  • As you move down the group, the halogens decrease in reactivity. This is because:
    • The atoms gain more electron shells.
      • So, the distance between the outer electron shell and the nucleus increases.
        • So, the attraction between the nucleus and the electron (to be gained from another element) decreases.
Jump to other topics
1

Atomic Structure

2

Chemical Bonding

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Quantitative Chemistry

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Chemical Changes

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Energy Changes

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The Rate & Extent of Chemical Change

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Organic Chemistry

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Chemical Analysis

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Chemistry of the Atmosphere

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