The Periodic Table: Fluorine

Why did so many chemists die trying to discover fluorine? How do the halogens keep us safe? What do fireworks have in common with PVC? Find out the answers to these and other fascinating questions in 'Fluorine and the Halogens'. This book explains why these colorful, smelly elements are so good at forming salts and other substances. It explores how their compounds affect our food and water, our health, and the natural world. You will see how they are used to make many things we take for granted, including pans and sportswear. The trend in state from the gaseous fluorine and chlorine to the liquid bromine and then the solid iodine is clearly described. Other elements discussed include chlorine, bromine, iodine, and the mysterious astatine.