Using a reaction as an example, explain why bromine is more reactive than iodine in terms of electrons.

bromine + sodium iodide --> sodium bromide + iodineBr2 + 2NaI --> 2NaBr + I2 Both bromine and iodine atoms have 7 electrons in their outer shells, a full shell contains 8 electrons. Bromine has 4 shells, whereas iodine has 5. Positively charged protons are found in the nucleus of the atom. For bromine or iodine to react, each atom needs to gain an electron to fill up its shell so that it is in a more stable state. Since bromine has fewer shells, its outer shell is closer to the nucleus so, there is a stronger force of attraction of the positively charged nucleus on the outer shell of electrons. This makes it much easier for bromine to gain an electron to the outer shell.This then makes bromine more reactive than iodine, and so it will displace the iodine in the sodium iodide to form sodium bromide.

VS
Answered by Vasudha S. Chemistry tutor

20146 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

The Haber Process converts hydrogen and nitrogen into ammonia in the following exothermic reaction: 3H2+N2=2NH3. Explain the effect of increasing the pressure and why.


Explain Fractional Distillation (6 Marks)


How does increasing chain length alter the melting and boiling temperatures?


Why does silver have a high melting point?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences