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) Responses 1 - alkali metals 1 - alkali metals 18 - noble gases 18 - noble gases 17 - halogens 17 - halogens 2 - alkaline earth metals
The element described in the question belongs to Group 17 - halogens.
Based on the given characteristics, the element described belongs to Group 17 - Halogens.
To determine the group to which an element belongs in the periodic table, you need to consider its electron configuration and properties. In this case, the element has seven electrons in its outer shell, which means it is in Group 17 (also known as Group VIIA or the halogens).
Halogens are highly reactive nonmetals that have seven valence electrons. They tend to form compounds with other elements by gaining one electron to achieve a stable electron configuration of eight electrons in their outer shell.
Furthermore, you mentioned that the element is a gas at room temperature and is fairly toxic. This aligns with the typical properties of halogens, as all the halogens (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine) exist as gases or volatile compounds at room temperature and are known to be toxic.
Therefore, the correct answer is:
17 - Halogens.