Question

question 6. rank the following nonmetals in order of decreasing reactivity.
fluorine (f), oxygen (o), chlorine (cl), sulfur (s)
answer
fluorine (f) oxygen (o) chlorine (cl) sulfur (s)

Explanation:

Step1: Recall Reactivity Trends

In the periodic table, nonmetal reactivity generally increases up a group and to the right across a period. Fluorine (F) is in Group 17, period 2; Oxygen (O) in Group 16, period 2; Chlorine (Cl) in Group 17, period 3; Sulfur (S) in Group 16, period 3.

Step2: Compare Groups and Periods

• Group 17 is more reactive than Group 16 (halogens > chalcogens).
• Within Group 17: F (period 2) > Cl (period 3) (reactivity increases up group).
• Within Group 16: O (period 2) > S (period 3) (reactivity increases up group).
• Cross - group: F (Group 17, period 2) is more reactive than O (Group 16, period 2) (right - most is more reactive in a period).
• Cl (Group 17, period 3) is more reactive than S (Group 16, period 3) (right - most is more reactive in a period).

So the order from most to least reactive is F > O > Cl > S.

Answer:

Fluorine (F), Oxygen (O), Chlorine (Cl), Sulfur (S)