Question

Which of the halogen has maximum affinity for hydrogen
A. F₂
B. Cl₂
C. Br₂
D. I₂

Answer 1

Hint: In this question we will use the concept of electronegativity of halogens and also the affinity of halogens towards hydrogen. Electronegativity is the tendency of an atom in a molecule to draw the shared pair of electrons toward itself.

Complete Step by Step Answer:
Fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine are the halogens. They belong to Group 17, also referred to as the halogen group. Two atoms make up each of these halogens. Halogens are extremely electronegative because they have seven electrons in their valence shells. They become a stable noble gas when they gain one electron, which enables them to easily interact with Group 1 and Group 2 elements. Halogens swiftly interact with Group 1 and Group 2 elements, as previously mentioned, and as hydrogen is a member of Group 1, it likewise interacts with halogens. Acids that immediately react with halogens to create hydrogen include hydrochloric, hydrobromic, hydroiodic, and hydrofluoric acids.

The valence shell electrons of the atom experience less nuclear attraction as the atomic radius increases along the group, and electronegativity decreases because a smaller negative ion is more likely to attract a proton than a larger atom. As a result, your reaction decreases as you move down in the group. The most prevalent element in Group 17 is fluorine, which is followed by chlorine, bromine, and iodine.
Because of this, iodine is the least reactive element and fluorine is the most reactive. F₂ > Cl₂ > Br₂ > I₂ is the proper order for halogen reactions with hydrogen.
The correct answer is A.

Note: As a halogen, a non-metal with the highest electronegativity, fluorine (F₂) has the highest affinity for hydrogen. As one proceeds from fluorine to iodine, their affinity for hydrogen decreases. F₂ therefore has the greatest tendency to react with hydrogen.