The two most reactive families of elements are the halogens and the alkali metals. How do they differ in their

Question by Molly: The two most reactive families of elements are the halogens and the alkali metals. How do they differ in their

The two most reactive families of elements are the halogens and the alkali metals. How do they differ in their reactivities?




Best answer:

Answer by Reginald
The alkali metals (lithium sodium potassium, etc.) are
electron-donors; all have one lone electron in their outer
shell which can be easily given up to another atom.
Conversely, the halogens (fluorine, chlorine, bromine and
iodine) are electron acceptors; that is, they all need just
one more electron to fill their outer valence shells.
As you may know, the alkali metals and halogens will
combine with each other readily to form compounds.
A common example is salt, sodium chloride.

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