Explain why fluorine is reactive

  • Fluorine is a halogen, these group 7 elements are reactive because they require just 1 additional electron to achieve a noble configuration. 

  • Fluorine is the smallest halogen, and so its outer electrons are closer to the charge dense nucleus, making it easier for the nucleus to attract electrons to it.

  • Fluorine is the most electronegative element in the periodic table, meaning it has a strong tendency to draw electrons towards it (hence it is able to form compounds with most other elements)

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Answered by George L. Chemistry tutor

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