GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

Detailed explanation-1: -Each halogen atom carries seven electrons in its outermost orbitals. Potentially, each halogen atom can hold one additional electron; in acquiring such an electron the atom acts as an oxidizing agent and in the process assumes a negative electrical charge and becomes a negative ion.

Detailed explanation-2: -In combination with other nonmetals, the halogens form compounds through covalent bonding. In their elemental form, the halogens form diatomic molecules, X2, connected by single bonds.

Detailed explanation-3: -Anions. Some atoms have nearly eight electrons in their valence shell and can gain additional valence electrons until they have an octet. When these atoms gain electrons, they acquire a negative charge because they now possess more electrons than protons. Negatively charged ions are called anions.

Detailed explanation-4: -Halogens have an outer shell with seven electrons. Atoms want to have eight electrons in their outer shell to become chemically stable. Thus, halogens want to gain one electron, which gives them an extra negative charge.

Detailed explanation-5: -They all form diatomic molecules (H2, F2, Cl2, Br2, I2, and At2), for example, and they all form negatively charged ions (H-, F-, Cl-, Br-, I-, and At-).