A highly reactive nonmetallic element that forms salts with metals.
Here's why this is the best definition:
* Highly Reactive: Halogens are extremely reactive elements, readily forming compounds with other elements.
* Nonmetallic: They are located in Group 17 of the periodic table, a group of elements characterized by their nonmetallic properties.
* Forms Salts with Metals: Halogens react with metals to form ionic compounds called salts.
Example:
Sodium chloride (NaCl), commonly known as table salt, is formed by the reaction of the metal sodium (Na) with the halogen chlorine (Cl).