Answer :
Final answer:
Fluorine is a nonmetal, recognized as the most electronegative and reactive of all the elements. It forms diatomic gas molecules and reacts violently with many substances, including metals and nonmetals. (option 2 is the correct answer)
Explanation:
Fluorine is a nonmetal. It is the first element in the Halogen group (group 17) of the periodic table, with an atomic number of 9. Fluorine is notable for being the most electronegative and reactive of all elements. As such, it is a very strong oxidizing agent and can form compounds with other nonmetals, including oxides.
Elemental fluorine exists as a diatomic gas (F2), which is a pale yellow color and is extremely reactive with most substances, including metals, organic matter, and glass. Given its high reactivity, fluorine is considered a corrosive poison, and due to these hazards, green chemistry aims to minimize the use or generation of fluorine gas.
Fluorine's electron configuration is 1s²2s²2p5, and it commonly forms anions with a -1 charge due to its strong electronegativity. Solid examples of fluorine reacting with nonmetals include hydrogen fluoride (HF) and oxygen difluoride (OF2).
