Question

In what respect is the electronic configuration of hydrogen and halogens similar?
A) Hydrogen and halogens have one electron in its outermost shell
B) Hydrogen and halogens have one electron less than the noble gas electronic configuration
C) Hydrogen and halogens can lose one electron.
D) Hydrogen and halogens have a noble gas configuration.

Answer 1

Hint: Try to recall that both hydrogen and halogens are diatomic molecules and also hydrogen needs one electron to complete its duplet. Now, by using this you can easily answer the given question.

Complete step by step solution:
It is known to you that hydrogen is the first element of the periodic table. It is the lightest element known and in normal elemental form, it exists as a diatomic molecule. That is why it is also called dihydrogen.
Hydrogen resembles halogens, i.e. F, Cl, Br, and I of group 17 of the periodic table in many respects.
All the halogens have seven electrons in their outermost shells and thus have one electron less than the stable configuration of the nearest inert gas. Hydrogen, on the other hand, has one electron in the outermost shell and thus has one electron less than the stable configuration of the nearest gas, i.e., He.
The electronic configuration of hydrogen is $$1s^1$$ and the general electronic configuration of halogen is $$n{s}^{2}n{p}^5$$.
Also, the ionization enthalpy of hydrogen is quite comparable with those of halogens.

Therefore, from above we can conclude that option B is the correct option for the given question.

Note: It should be remembered to you that halogens have a strong tendency to gain one electron to form halide. In a similar way, hydrogen shows some tendency to gain one electron to form hydride ion.
Also, you should remember that just like halogens, hydrogen shows an oxidation state of -1.