Group VIl elements in their combined states are called?

1. Analyze the question Group VII elements (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, astatine) are called halogens when they exist as free elements (e.g., Cl₂, Br₂). The question asks what they are called in their combined states, meaning when they are bonded in compounds.

2. Explain the concept

• Halogen means "salt former". It is the name of the elements themselves, in their free state.
• When a halogen atom gains one electron (to complete its octet), it forms a negative ion, e.g. Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻. These ions are called halides.
• Halides occur in compounds such as NaCl (sodium chloride) and KI (potassium iodide).

3. Step-by-step solution

• Group VII elements have 7 valence electrons.
• They readily gain 1 electron: Cl + e⁻ → Cl⁻
• In combination with other elements (like metals), they exist as halide ions/compounds, e.g. NaCl, AgBr, CaF₂.
• Check the options: • A. Halogens: the free elements, not the combined state. • B. Anions: true that halides are anions, but this is too general, since many other species (like SO₄²⁻, NO₃⁻) are anions too and are not Group VII. • C. Halide: the specific name for combined Group VII elements. ✔ • D. Cations: positively charged ions, which is wrong, because halogens form negative ions.

4. Answer The correct option is C. Halide.

5. Exam tip Remember: Halogens = free elements; Halides = combined compounds/ions. Likewise, "chlorine" is the element, while "chloride" is the combined form. The "-ide" ending signals the combined state.