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Question 88 of 869 in Inorganic Chemistry

Reactions of the halogens

2 marks · Easy

Explain, in terms of reactivity, why iron reacts more rapidly with chlorine than with bromine.

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Chlorine is more reactive than bromine so it reacts more quickly with iron. Chlorine is higher up in Group 17 and more easily gains electrons.

Also accept: Chlorine, being more reactive than bromine, reacts faster with iron.; Chlorine is a stronger oxidising agent than bromine.

Common mistakes: Chlorine is less reactive than bromine.

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Marking points

M1 · 1 mark · States that chlorine is more reactive than bromine.

M2 · 1 mark · Links higher reactivity to more rapid reaction with iron (or explains using electron acceptance/position in group).

Worked solution

Chlorine reacts more rapidly with iron because it is more reactive than bromine. Chlorine is higher in the group and more easily accepts electrons from iron, making the reaction faster.

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