C2.4 Group 7 - The Halogens

Question 1

What are the properties of the halogen family?

Answer 1

➢ Low melting points and boiling points

➢ Poor conductors of heat and electricity

Question 2

Why does the melting point and boiling point increase as you go down group 7?

Answer 2

➢ This is due to increasing intermolecular forces as the atoms become larger, so more energy is required to overcome these forces

Question 3

Why do the elements get less reactive as you go down group 7?

Answer 3

➢ As you move down the group the atomic radius gets bigger due to more electrons and protons being present
➢ This leads to the outer shells to move further away from the nucleus
➢ More distance between the electrons and the positively charge nucleus
➢ The electrostatic force of attraction is weaker
➢ Makes attracting an electron from metals which is very difficult

Question 4

How can you check the reactivity between halogens?

Answer 4

➢ A more reactive halogen will displace a less reactive halogen
➢ Use solutions of the halogens and their salts in water
➢ E.g Add chlorine to Potassium Bromide and you will see the colour change
➢ This means Potassium Chloride and Bromine is formed