To determine which element is the most reactive nonmetal, we need to consider the properties and reactivities of the given options.
Nonmetals are elements that typically have high electronegativity and ionization energy, which means they tend to gain or share electrons when reacting with other elements. Reactivity in nonmetals is generally associated with their ability to attract electrons (electronegativity) and their readiness to react with other elements to form compounds.
The given options are:
- A. sulfur (S)
- B. phosphorus (P)
- C. nitrogen (N)
- D. fluorine (F)
- E. bromine (Br)
Among these options, sulfur (S), phosphorus (P), nitrogen (N), fluorine (F), and bromine (Br) are all nonmetals, but their reactivities vary.
1. Fluorine (F) - Fluorine is the most electronegative element on the periodic table. It is highly reactive, especially with metals and even with some noble gases. Fluorine's small atomic size and high electronegativity make it the most reactive nonmetal, as it readily attracts electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration.
2. Bromine (Br) - Bromine is also very reactive but not as much as fluorine. It belongs to the same group as fluorine (the halogens) and shares similar properties. However, bromine is less electronegative and reactive compared to fluorine.
3. Sulfur (S) - Sulfur is reactive, especially with metals, forming sulfides. However, it is less reactive than both fluorine and bromine due to its lower electronegativity.
4. Phosphorus (P) - Phosphorus can be reactive, especially in white phosphorus form. However, it is still less reactive than the halogens fluorine and bromine.
5. Nitrogen (N) - Nitrogen is relatively inert at room temperature due to the strong triple bond in N2 molecules. Although nitrogen can form reactive compounds like ammonia (NH3) or nitrogen oxides, elemental nitrogen itself is not as reactive as fluorine.
Considering these points and the properties of each element, we conclude that:
The most reactive nonmetal is fluorine (F).
Thus, the correct answer is:
D. fluorine (F)
