Question

What is a halogen element?

Answer 1

Hint: Halogens or halogen elements is the $17th$ group of the periodic table i.e. halogens belong to the $p-$ block elements of the periodic table. They are the highly electronegative elements that are known to be very reactive in nature.

Complete answer:
The halogens or the $17th$ group of the periodic table consists of the elements Fluorine, Chlorine, Bromine, Iodine and Astatine.
- These elements are named as halogens because they react with metals to form salts.
- The basic electronic configuration of these $p-$ block elements are $n{s}^{2}n{p}^5$ i.e. that have $7$ electrons in their valence shell.
- These elements are highly reactive in nature so, they don’t exist in Free State in nature, rather they like to combine quickly with other metals and the elements to form compounds.
- This is the group whose elements can be found in different states of matter i.e. in solid state, in liquid state and in gaseous state under different environmental conditions.
- For example - under temperature and normal pressure – iodine and astatine can be found in solid state whereas Bromine becomes in liquid state. And on the other hand fluorine and chlorine occur as gases.
- Halogens can be found in a variety of colours like Fluorine is pale yellow and Iodine is violet in colour.
- Halogens also have the property to form compounds with other halogen elements, thus resulting in the formation of interhalogen compounds.

Note:
Halogen elements are extremely electronegative in nature. Among them Fluorine is the most electronegative element in the entire periodic table. So, they are the most powerful oxidizing agents. The oxidizing power of the halogen elements decreases as we go down the group.