Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Group Number
The group number in the periodic table indicates the number of valence electrons in the outermost shell of an element. Chlorine is located in Group 17 (or VIIA), which means it has seven valence electrons. This classification helps predict the element's chemical behavior and reactivity.
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Electron Configuration
Electron configuration describes the distribution of electrons among the various atomic orbitals. For chlorine, the electron configuration is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁵, indicating that it has two electrons in the first shell, eight in the second, and five in the third. This configuration is crucial for understanding how chlorine interacts with other elements.
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Valence Electrons
Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom and are responsible for chemical bonding. For chlorine, the valence-shell configuration is 3s² 3p⁵, reflecting its seven valence electrons. These electrons play a key role in determining how chlorine will bond with other elements, particularly in forming compounds.
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