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 18 - noble gases 18 - noble gases 1 - alkali metals 1 - alkali metals 2 - alkaline earth metals 2 - alkaline earth metals 17 - halogens

This element belongs to group 17 - halogens.

The element that has seven electrons in its outer shell, is toxic, is a gas at room temperature, and is highly reactive belongs to Group 17 - halogens in the periodic table.

To determine the group to which the element belongs, we need to analyze the given properties and compare them to the different groups of elements in the periodic table.

The fact that the element has seven electrons in its outer shell indicates that it belongs to Group 17 of the periodic table, known as the halogens. Halogens have seven valence electrons and are highly reactive due to their tendency to gain one electron to achieve a stable electron configuration.

Additionally, the element is described as being fairly toxic, a gas at room temperature, and highly reactive, all of which are characteristics consistent with halogens.

Therefore, the correct response is: 17 - halogens.