Which of the following elements is a member of the halogen family in the periodic table?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: All of the above

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
The halogens are a family of non metallic elements that occupy Group 17 of the periodic table. They are highly reactive and form salts when they react with metals. Recognising which elements belong to this group is a standard question in general chemistry and helps students connect periodic trends with chemical behaviour.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Halogens in Group 17 include fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine.
  • The options list chlorine, bromine, and iodine separately, and then all of them together.
  • We assume the standard modern periodic table arrangement.


Concept / Approach:
Halogens share similar properties such as high reactivity, strong tendency to gain one electron to complete their valence shell, and ability to form diatomic molecules like Cl2 and Br2. Chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), and iodine (I) are all well known halogens. Therefore, each of options A, B, and C names an element from the halogen family. When an option states all of the above, and all individually listed elements indeed belong to the group in question, the correct answer is that combined option.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: List the halogens. The halogens are fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine. Step 2: Compare options with the list. Chlorine appears in the halogen list. Bromine appears in the halogen list. Iodine appears in the halogen list. Step 3: Interpret the combined option. Since each of A, B, and C is a halogen, the option All of the above correctly includes all three halogens.


Verification / Alternative check:
Periodic table diagrams show Group 17 containing the symbols F, Cl, Br, I, and At. Chlorine is a greenish yellow gas, bromine is a reddish brown liquid, and iodine is a purple solid at room temperature conditions, yet all share similar valence electron configurations with seven valence electrons. This consistent placement in the same group and similar outer electron structure confirm that all three are indeed halogens, supporting the selection of the combined option.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A: Chlorine is a halogen, but this option alone ignores bromine and iodine, which are also halogens. Option B: Bromine is a halogen, but again does not by itself represent the full set of listed halogens. Option C: Iodine is a halogen, but this option alone is incomplete when compared with the combined choice.


Common Pitfalls:
Students may think that exam questions always have a single name as the answer and overlook the possibility that All of the above can be correct. Others may confuse halogens with noble gases or chalcogens because the names sound similar. Remember that halogens are Group 17 elements that form salts like sodium chloride and potassium iodide, while noble gases are in Group 18 and are largely inert.


Final Answer:
All three listed elements are halogens, so the correct choice is All of the above.

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