Originally Posted By: Chemical
Greater surface area means closer interaction between different molecules....smart daughter.

This is indeed true - the only question is, how surface area is related to ascendance from group 1 to group 7? Whether alkali metal atoms are smaller in general, then halogen atoms? Of course not, as atom size depends on atomic weight. i.e. the period - not group number in periodical table.

..educated - still silly daughter, anyway....
Or rather a typical product of contemporary educational systems, which are preferring learning over the thinking.