Which of the following statements is NOT correct of group VII elements? They

Analyze the question: We need the one statement that is NOT true of Group VII elements (the halogens: F, Cl, Br, I, At).

Concept: Halogens have 7 valence electrons, so each needs just one more electron to reach a stable octet. This shapes all their properties:

• A. Diatomic: Correct. They exist as F₂, Cl₂, Br₂, I₂, sharing one pair of electrons to complete their octets.
• B. Good oxidizing agents: Correct. They readily gain electrons (X₂ + 2e⁻ → 2X⁻), which means they oxidize other substances. Fluorine is the strongest.
• C. Highly electronegative: Correct. They strongly attract bonding electrons. Fluorine is the most electronegative element of all (4.0 on the Pauling scale).
• D. High electron affinity: Correct. They release a lot of energy when they gain an electron, because they are one electron short of a stable noble gas configuration.
• E. Relatively low ionization potentials: Incorrect. Halogens have high ionization energies. Their small atomic size, high effective nuclear charge, and nearly complete outer shell make it very hard to remove an electron. Low ionization energies are typical of Group I metals (alkali metals), not halogens.

Answer: The statement that is NOT correct is E.

Tip: Remember that halogens gain electrons and don't lose them. Anything saying they lose electrons easily (low ionization energy) is wrong. Low ionization energy belongs to Group I, and high electronegativity, high electron affinity, and high ionization energy belong to Group VII. In "NOT correct" questions, check each option against the group's main behaviour and pick the one that contradicts it.