Group 7 Reactivity

Explain why fluorine is more reactive than iodine.

[3 marks]

• Where are fluorine and iodine on the periodic table?

  Both are in group 7.

• How does a Group 7 element react?

  Ionically by gaining 1 electron to make a full outer shell of 8.

• What is the difference between a fluorine and iodine atom? (1 mark)

  Fluorine is above iodine in Group 7.

  So it has less electrons.

  So a smaller atom.

  (1 mark)

• How does that affect reactivity? (2 marks)

  When attracting the electron, fluorine has:

  • less shielding from shells and stronger attraction between positive nucleus and the negative electron it’s gaining (1 mark)

  • so it gains it more easily (1 mark)

Need help improving your GCSE Chemistry grade?

These visuals are created by our experienced GCSE tutors. Want personalised support?

Continue Revising Paper 1