the elements of group VII A form ions with a charge of:

A) +1
b) -1
c) -2
d) +2

can u please explain too?
thankyou

To determine the charge of ions formed by the elements in Group VII A (also known as Group 17 or the halogens), we need to examine their valence electrons.

In Group VII A, the elements include fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), iodine (I), and astatine (At). These elements all have seven valence electrons except for astatine, which has an electron configuration similar to iodine.

Group VII A elements have a strong tendency to gain one electron to achieve a stable octet configuration, which is a full outer shell with eight electrons. By gaining one electron, these elements can achieve a stable and energetically favorable electronic configuration.

Therefore, the most common charge for elements in Group VII A is -1. This means that they gain one electron to form negatively charged ions, also known as anions. For example, chlorine (Cl) gains one electron to become Cl-, fluorine (F) gains one electron to become F-, and so on.

So, the correct answer is:

b) -1

In summary, Group VII A elements form ions with a charge of -1 by gaining one electron to achieve a stable electronic configuration.