Sonya is studying a nonmetal element. She learns that the element is like other elements in its group because it can bond to form a salt or an acid. She also learns that the element is the most reactive element in its group. Which element is Sonya most likely studying?

Question

sulfur (S)
neon (Ne)
fluorine (F)
iodine (I)

Answer 1

Sonya is most likely studying fluorine (F). Fluorine is a nonmetal and is the most reactive element in its group (the halogens). It can bond to form salts (such as sodium fluoride) and acids (such as hydrofluoric acid). The other options do not meet all of these criteria: sulfur does not belong to the halogen group, neon is a noble gas and is not reactive in the way discussed, and iodine, while a halogen and reactive, is not the most reactive halogen.