How many valence electrons are in the chlorine atom?

Valence electron is defined as an electron in the outermost shell that is associated with the atom. Valence electrons are the electrons that are involved in the formation of chemical bonding. These electrons are the s and p electrons that are present in the energy level of an atom. These electrons are mainly used to determine the chemical properties of the elements. The number of valence electrons differs from atom to atom based on their properties and also their existence. Valence electrons are arranged in different shells and these electrons are negatively charged elements. Valence electrons are mainly used for the interaction between the atoms and also for the formation of the chemical bond.

In general, valence electrons are also defined as the number of electrons that an atom needs to lose or gain to get the nearest noble gas configuration. The number of valence electrons of any atom is similar to that of the number of the main group element. Valence electrons absorb or release energy in the form of photons. These are also used to determine the number of electrons involved in the bonding and also the number of unpaired electrons.

Characteristics Of Valence Electrons

The main characteristics of the valence electrons are:

• Valence electrons exist only in the outermost shell of an atom for the main group element.

• Valence electrons are present in the inner shell of a transition metal.

• An atom that consists of a closed shell of valence electrons is inert in nature.

• Valence electrons are also used for the determination of the electrical conductivity of an element depending on the nature of the elements.

Determination Of Valence Electrons

The number of valence electrons can be determined by checking the elements placed in the periodic table. The number of valence electrons of an atom is equal to the group number of that element present in the periodic element. Another way to determine the number of valence electrons is by using the electronic configuration of an element. These are found in the orbitals that are associated with the atoms occupying the highest energy level. These are also used for determining how atoms interact with other atoms and molecules.

Valence Electrons In A Chlorine Atom

As carbon is a 17th-group element and has 7 electrons in its outermost shell, the valency of carbon is 7. That is it gains 1 electron or loses 7 electrons in the outermost shell to reach its nearest octet. But the chlorine doesn’t lose the 7 electrons as it requires high energy and gains one electron and attains the noble gas configuration. The 17th group elements are also called the halogens as the elements in this group like chlorine, fluorine, bromine, and iodine form salts. The name halogens mean the sea salt former.