What are halide elements?

1 Answer
May 22, 2016

The halogen elements are the Group 17 elements on the Periodic Table: #F, Cl, Br, I, and At#

Explanation:

Because these elements have a high nuclear charge (they are on the right of the Table, and their nuclear charge is very imperfectly shielded by their valence electrons) the halogens tend to be powerful oxidants (i.e. electron acceptors).

When a halogen element accepts an electron, it becomes a halide ion, i.e.

#1/2X_2+e^(-) rarr X^-#

Fluorine has the reputation of the most reactive element on the Periodic Table because of this propensity to oxidize.