Question

comparing reactivity of different nonmetals
rank the nonmetals in each set from most reactive (1) to least reactive (3).
neon:
selenium:
fluorine:

Explanation:

Step1: Recall nonmetal reactivity trends

Nonmetals' reactivity relates to electron affinity and position in the periodic table. Halogens (like fluorine) are highly reactive, noble gases (neon) are inert, and elements like selenium (in group 16, period 4) have moderate reactivity.

Step2: Analyze each element

• Fluorine (\(F\)): Halogen, group 17, period 2. Most reactive nonmetal, seeks electrons. Rank 1.
• Selenium (\(Se\)): Group 16, period 4. Reactive but less than halogens. Rank 2.
• Neon (\(Ne\)): Noble gas, group 18. Inert, least reactive. Rank 3.

Answer:

Neon: 3
Selenium: 2
Fluorine: 1