A scientist studies an element that has seven electrons in its outer shell, is fairly toxic, is a gas at room temperature, and is highly reactive. To which group of the periodic table does this element belong? (1 point)
O 18-noble gases
O 2-alkaline earth metals
O 17-halogens
O 1-alkali metals
The correct answer is: 17-halogens
The element described has seven electrons in its outer shell, indicating that it belongs to Group 17 of the periodic table, which is also known as the halogens.
To determine the group of the periodic table to which the element belongs, we need to consider the given characteristics of the element.
First, the element has seven electrons in its outer shell, which places it in the Group 17 of the periodic table. This group is known as the halogens.
Second, the element is highly reactive. The halogens are indeed highly reactive nonmetals that readily react with other elements.
Third, the element is a gas at room temperature. Most elements in Group 17, the halogens, exist as gases at room temperature. Examples of elements in this group include chlorine (Cl) and fluorine (F).
Lastly, the element is described as "fairly toxic." This statement doesn't specifically narrow down the group, but it is worth noting that some halogens, such as chlorine and fluorine, can indeed be toxic.
Therefore, based on the given characteristics, the element belongs to Group 17 of the periodic table, which is the halogens. So the correct answer is O 17-halogens.