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

6283 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Can you give and explain the mechanism for the reaction between aqueous Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) and Chloroethane at room temperature? What is a competing reaction which may occur and how would you promote this reaction?


Describe the effects of changing the temperature on a reaction using Le Chatelier's princriple


What is a mole and why is it useful?


4.00 g metal carbonate, MCO3 reacts with acid to liberate a gas that occupies 0.5878 dm3 at 25˚C and 2.0 x 105 Pa. Identify the group 2 metal, M. Info: R = 8.314 J K-1 mol-1


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