Question

What elements in addition to fluorine make up the halogen family?

Short answer

Chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine are halogens in addition to fluorine.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Halogen Family

The halogen family is located in Group 17 of the periodic table. This includes elements with similar properties due to their outer electron configuration.

List the Halogen Elements

The elements in the halogen family include fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), iodine (I), and astatine (At).

Key concepts

Periodic Table

The periodic table is a systematic arrangement of chemical elements, designed to demonstrate the periodicity of their properties. This tool helps scientists understand and predict the behavior of elements. Each element is placed into a specific location based on its atomic number, electron configuration, and recurring chemical properties.
The table is organized in rows, called periods, and columns, known as groups. It visually represents the trends among the many elements. Elements in the same group have similar valence electron configurations, which often lead to similar chemical behaviors. This makes the periodic table an essential tool for chemists across the world, providing a unified framework for studying chemical elements and their interactions.

Group 17

Group 17 of the periodic table is known as the halogen family. This group is crucial because it contains elements that are highly reactive non-metals.
Halogens include:

• Fluorine (F)
• Chlorine (Cl)
• Bromine (Br)
• Iodine (I)
• Astatine (At)

Located in the penultimate column on the right side of the table, Group 17 elements are only one electron short of having a complete octet, which makes them very eager to gain an electron through chemical reactions.
This reactivity is a hallmark of the halogens, driving them to form salts (hence the name halogen, meaning "salt-former") when they react with metals. Given their high reactivity, many halogens form compounds easily, underlining their importance in both chemistry and everyday life.

Electron Configuration

Electron configuration refers to the distribution of electrons of an atom in atomic orbitals. This distribution is crucial in determining how elements interact in chemical reactions.
The general electron configuration for Group 17 elements is expressed as \[ ext{ns}^2 ext{np}^5 \] where 'n' represents the principal quantum number of the outermost shell. This configuration indicates that halogens have seven electrons in their outer shell, making them quite reactive as they seek to gain an additional electron to achieve a noble gas electron configuration.
Understanding this electron arrangement helps in predicting how these elements will react with others. Elements tend to interact in ways that reach a stable octet in their valence shell, and for halogens, this typically involves gaining an electron. Hence, their electron configuration explains their consistent pattern of behavior across different chemical reactions.