NEETChemistryClassification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties
Why do group 17 elements (the halogens) have very high negative electron gain enthalpies?
Options
- AThey have small atomic sizes.
- BThey have stable noble gas electronic configurations.
- CThey have low electron-electron repulsion.
- DThey have low effective nuclear charge.
Correct answer
B. They have stable noble gas electronic configurations.
Step-by-step solution
Halogens have very high negative electron gain enthalpies because they can attain stable noble gas electronic configurations by picking up an electron.