State true or false: The elements of group 17 of the periodic table are called halogens.

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Identify the Group**: The question states that we need to determine if the elements of group 17 of the periodic table are called halogens.

2. **List the Elements**: The elements in group 17 are Fluorine (F), Chlorine (Cl), Bromine (Br), Iodine (I), and Astatine (At).

3. **Understand the Term 'Halogens'**: The term "halogen" comes from the Greek words "halos" meaning salt and "genes" meaning to form. This indicates that halogens are known as "salt formers."

4. **Reactivity with Metals**: Halogens are known to react with metals to form ionic compounds, which are often salts. For example, when chlorine reacts with sodium, it forms sodium chloride (table salt).

5. **Conclusion**: Since the elements of group 17 (Fluorine, Chlorine, Bromine, Iodine, and Astatine) are indeed known to react with metals to form salts, the statement in the question is true.

6. **Final Answer**: Therefore, the statement "The elements of group 17 of the periodic table are called halogens" is **True**.

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