Practice It! Select all of the elements in Group 17, also known as halogens. Groups 13 through 18 are pictured. \( \square \) bromine (Br) \( \square \) fluorine (F) \( \square \) oxygen (O) \( \square \) astatine (At) \( \square \) neon ( Ne ) \( \square \) iodine (I) chlorine (CI)

The halogens are a group of highly reactive elements that are found in Group 17 of the periodic table. These elements include fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), iodine (I), and astatine (At). Their reactivity is due to their tendency to gain one electron to achieve a stable electron configuration, making them excellent candidates for forming compounds with metals and non-metals alike! In real-world applications, halogens are essential in various industries. For instance, chlorine is widely used in disinfecting drinking water and swimming pools, while fluorine is a key ingredient in toothpaste to prevent cavities. Bromine is utilized in flame retardants, and iodine is critical in the medical field for sterilization and as a nutrient in thyroid function. These elements play vital roles in safety, health, and environmental protection!