Fluorine (a halogen) is reactive because it has 7 outer shell electrons. Halogens, including fluorine, have 7 electrons in their outermost shell, and they tend to gain one electron to achieve a stable, full outer electron shell, resulting in a more stable electron configuration. This electron affinity makes fluorine highly reactive, especially in chemical reactions where it can readily accept an electron to achieve a stable electron configuration with 8 electrons in its outer shell.
Fluorine, belonging to the halogen group, exhibits a high degree of reactivity attributable to its possession of 7 outer shell electrons. The reactivity of halogens stems from their tendency to gain a single electron to achieve a stable electron configuration with a full outer shell. In the case of fluorine, the desire to attain a full set of 8 electrons in its outer shell drives its strong electron affinity. This characteristic makes fluorine particularly prone to forming bonds with other elements, seeking to acquire that elusive extra electron. The electronegativity of fluorine is notably high, indicating its strong attraction for electrons in chemical interactions.
Fluorine's reactivity is a consequence of its 7 outer shell electrons, propelling it to readily engage in chemical reactions by gaining an additional electron to achieve a stable configuration. This electronegative behavior defines fluorine's role as a reactive halogen in the periodic table.
Fluorine's reactivity arises from its possession of 7 outer shell electrons, driving it to readily form bonds by gaining an electron to achieve a stable configuration, characteristic of halogens.