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)

GL
Answered by George L. Chemistry tutor

5497 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What are the oxidation numbers of each element in these examples: a) H2SO4 b) N2 c) NH4+


What is the pH of a 25 ml sample of 0.2 M sulfuric acid? What is the pH after 5 ml of 0.25 M sodium hydroxide is added?


What would be the pH of a reaction between potassium oxide and water?


Explain why atomic radius decreases across a period


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning