Aparticular element has the following set of properties:
• it has a low melting point.
• it has a low boiling point
• it exists as a two-atom molecule in the gas phase.
it has seven outer electrons.
• it readily reacts with metals to produce a salt.
which element does the list describe?
a.
iodine (1)
b. hydrogen (h)
c. xenon (xe)
d.
barium (ba)

A. Iodine

Explanation:

First 2 points describe it's physical properties. Even if we don't remember them, we can easily figure out the answer to be a non-metal. As, non-metals usually have lower bp and mp than metals.

Both Iodine and hydrogen exists as a 2 atom molecule in gas phase.

But only elements of group 17 (halogens) have 7 electrons in their outer shell.

Again, salts are usually ionic compounds, formed by atoms with a greater difference in their electronegativities. Hence, the one that forms bonds with a metal to form a salt readily can be a non- metal.

All these points indicate that the element must be iodine.

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