Halogen: meaning, definitions and examples
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halogen
[ ˈhæləʤən ]
chemical element
Halogens are a group of five chemically related elements in group 17 of the periodic table: fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine. They are known for their high reactivity, particularly with alkali metals and alkaline earth metals, to form salts.
Synonyms
group 17 elements, salt-forming elements
Examples of usage
- Fluorine is the most reactive halogen.
- Chlorine is often used in water purification.
- Iodine is essential for thyroid function.
Translations
Translations of the word "halogen" in other languages:
🇵🇹 halogênio
🇮🇳 हलोोजन
🇩🇪 Halogen
🇮🇩 halogen
🇺🇦 галоген
🇵🇱 halogen
🇯🇵 ハロゲン
🇫🇷 halogène
🇪🇸 halógeno
🇹🇷 halojen
🇰🇷 할로겐
🇸🇦 الهالوجين
🇨🇿 halogen
🇸🇰 halogén
🇨🇳 卤素
🇸🇮 halogen
🇮🇸 halógen
🇰🇿 галоген
🇬🇪 ჰალოგენი
🇦🇿 halogen
🇲🇽 halógeno
Etymology
The term 'halogen' comes from the Greek words 'halos', meaning 'salt', and 'genes', meaning 'born of' or 'producing'. Thus, halogens are salts producing elements. The group was first established in the late 19th century as chemists began to explore the properties and reactions of various elements. The classification of halogens as a distinct group stems from their unique chemical behaviors and similarities in reactivity. Their ability to form salts when combined with metals is a defining characteristic. The study of halogens has led to advancements in various fields, including medicine and industry, particularly in the development of disinfectants and fluorides.