Question

Write the name and the symbol of the following element:
The most reactive non-metal---

Answer 1

Hint: The p-block contains the non-metals. Non-metals tend to accept the electrons. The non-metal that can easily accept the electron will be highly reactive. The tendency of accepting the electrons depends upon the electronegativity.

Complete step by step answer:
The periodic table has four blocks. Out of which s, d, and f-block contain the metals and the p-block contains metals, semimetals, and non-metals. The top left of the periodic table contains the non-metals only. All Noble gases are non-metals and all halides except antimony are non-metals. Non-metals tend to gain electrons. So, their reactivity is compared on the basis of electron-accepting power. All the noble gases have fully-filled electronic configuration. So, all the noble gases are unreactive.
The halogens have an electronic configuration $ns^2,np^5$. So, halogens require only one electron to complete their octet and achieve Noble gas like a stable electronic configuration. So, halogens are the most reactive. Among halogens, reactivity depends upon electronegativity.
Electronegativity is the ability of an atom to accept electrons.Down in a group, the electronegativity decreases. So, fluorine has the highest electronegativity.
Fluorine has the highest tendency to accept electrons.

Therefore, the most reactive non-metal fluorine.

Note:
As we move left to right in the periodic table, reactivity to lose electrons decreases, and the reactivity to accept electrons increases. So, left to right in the periodic table, the reactivity of metals decreases, and the reactivity of the non-metals increases. Electronegativity also increases left to right in the periodic table.