Which element has chemical properties most similar to fluorine?

• A. Chlorine (Cl)
• B. Oxygen (O)
• C. Neon (Ne)
• D. Nitrogen (N)

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that elements in the same group (vertical column) of the periodic table have similar chemical properties because they have the same number of valence electrons.
2. Identify the group of fluorine (F) in the periodic table. Fluorine is in Group 17, which is known as the halogens.
3. Look for the element among the options that is also in Group 17. Chlorine (Cl) is in Group 17, while Oxygen (O) is in Group 16, Neon (Ne) is in Group 18, and Nitrogen (N) is in Group 15.
4. Since Chlorine (Cl) shares the same group as Fluorine (F), it has similar chemical properties due to having the same number of valence electrons (7 valence electrons).
5. Conclude that Chlorine (Cl) is the element with chemical properties most similar to Fluorine (F) because they are both halogens and exhibit similar reactivity and bonding behavior.