Question

Lorenzo is making a prediction. “I learned that nonmetals increase in reactivity when moving from left to right. So I predict that xenon will be more reactive than iodine.” Is Lorenzo correct? If so, why? If not, explain his error.

Answer 1

hmm, well they're both nonmetals..

Answer 2

So does that mean they will react the same?

Answer 3

@Elise_a18

Answer 4

Lorenzo is incorrect. Xenon is a noble gas, and iodine is a halogen. Halogens are way more reactive than noble gases (and xenon is one of the least reactive of those). You also have to pay attention to the families and the number of electrons in the valence shell when making these predictions.