Question

What are halogens and why are they called so?

Answer 1

1. Halogens are the elements in group 17 of the periodic table. Fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), iodine (I), and astatine (At).
2. They have seven electrons in their outermost shell and need one more to complete the octet.
3. They are called halogens from Greek words meaning salt producer because they form salts when they react with metals, like sodium chloride (common salt).
4. Their high electronegativity allows them to form negatively charged ions (anions) that are essential parts of many salts, especially in seawater.