In what form do halogens exist?

Halogens exist as diatomic molecules, meaning they are composed of pairs of the same type of atoms. In their elemental form, halogens such as fluorine (F2), chlorine (Cl2), bromine (Br2), and iodine (I2) naturally bond with another atom of the same element to form stable diatomic molecules. This is a characteristic property of group 17 elements.

The reason for this molecular form stems from the electron configuration of halogens, which possess seven valence electrons. They require one additional electron to achieve a full outer shell, leading to covalent bonding with another halogen atom to complete their octet. As a result, halogens do not exist as individual atoms (monatomic), nor do they typically form ionic compounds in their elemental state. Monatomic gases, such as the noble gases, comprise single atoms, which applies to a different group of elements. Thus, the correct representation of halogens is as molecules, specifically pairs of atoms.