Why does the reactivity of group 7 elements decrease down the periodic table?

As you go down the group, the outer electrons are further from the nucleus, this leads to a reduced attraction between the negative outer electrons and positive nucleus. Also, as there are more electrons, the inner shells actually repel the outer most electrons as they have a common charge. Due to the weaker attraction of electrons to the positive nucleus, it is harder for the atom to gain one electron to complete their outer shell so they become less reactive as more energy is required to complete the electron shell

DC
Answered by Dhiren C. Chemistry tutor

15135 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Ethane is an organic compound. Please (a) write down the molecular formula of ethanoic acid and (b) verify the type of organic compound ethanoic acid belongs.


Potassium forms an ionic compound with sulfur. Describe what happens when atoms of Potassium react with atoms of sulfur. Give your answer in terms of electron transfer.


Calculate the relative formula mass of Iron(III) Oxide (Fe2O3)


What is an alkene and how might one be identified?


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning