In the periodic table, the highly electronegative halogens and the highly electropositive alkali metals are separated by:

Noble gases

The correct answer is option 1. Noble gases.

In the periodic table, the highly electronegative halogens and the highly electropositive alkali metals are separated by Noble gases. The noble gases are found in Group 18 (VIII A) of the periodic table and act as a separator between the highly reactive alkali metals (Group 1) and the highly electronegative halogens (Group 17). The noble gases are chemically inert and have a stable electronic configuration, providing a buffer zone between the reactive alkali metals and halogens.