Why is chlorine more reactive than iodine?

Chlorine has fewer shells than iodine - chlorine has 2 and iodine has 4. We know this by referring to the periodic table. This means its outer electrons are closer to the nucleus.Because they are closer - outer electrons feel more attraction towards the nuclear charge. Chlorine's nucleus can attract outer electrons more easily as there is less shielding of the nucleus.Chorine can therefore gain an electron more easily which makes it more reactive.

AS
Answered by Antonia S. Chemistry tutor

11698 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Sodium and chlorine form an ionic compound. Describe what happens when 1 atom of sodium reacts with 1 atom of chlorine.m


Explain the bonding in a metal complex, compare this to an ionic compound and covalent bonding


5.00 g of copper(II) carbonate decomposes to form copper(II) oxide and carbon dioxide: CuCO3(g) → CuO(s) + CO2(g). Calculate the maximum mass of carbon dioxide that can be produced. (Mr of CuCO3 = 123.5, Mr of CO2 = 44.0)


What are the differences between intermolecular and intramolecular forces?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning