Multiple Choice
How many valence electrons does a boron (B) atom have?
2
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
Valence Electrons of Elements
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How many valence electrons does chlorine (Cl) have?
A
5
B
8
C
7
D
6
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the group number of chlorine (Cl) in the periodic table. Chlorine is in Group 17 (also known as Group VIIA).
Recall that elements in Group 17 have 7 valence electrons because the group number corresponds to the number of valence electrons for main-group elements.
Understand that valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom, which participate in chemical bonding.
Confirm that chlorine's electron configuration ends in 3s^2 3p^5, indicating 2 electrons in the s subshell and 5 electrons in the p subshell of the third energy level, totaling 7 valence electrons.
Therefore, chlorine has 7 valence electrons, which explains its chemical reactivity and tendency to gain one electron to complete its octet.
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