How Many Valence Electrons Does Chlorine Have? — Passage
Chlorine is a very reactive element, and the secret behind its behavior lies in its electrons—especially the ones in its outer shell. These are called valence electrons, and they help determine how an element forms chemical bonds.
Chlorine has 17 electrons in total. These electrons are arranged in three energy levels. The first shell holds 2 electrons, the second holds 8, and the third (the outermost shell) holds 7 electrons. That means chlorine has 7 valence electrons.
Why does this matter? Atoms want to have 8 electrons in their outer shell—this is called the “octet rule.” Since chlorine has 7, it only needs one more electron to be stable. That’s why chlorine is highly reactive and often bonds with elements like sodium, which can give up one electron. When sodium and chlorine bond, they form table salt (NaCl)!
Chlorine is in Group 17 of the periodic table, which is also called the halogen group. All elements in this group have 7 valence electrons and are known for being very reactive, especially with metals.
Fun Fact: Because it only needs one electron to be stable, chlorine is one of the best elements at forming chemical bonds—especially in cleaning products and disinfectants!
How many total electrons does a chlorine atom have?
810177What are valence electrons?
Electrons in the nucleusElectrons that move randomlyElectrons in the outermost shellElectrons that form the atom's massHow many valence electrons does chlorine have?
81177Why is chlorine so reactive?
It has no electronsIt already has a full outer shellIt needs one more electron to be stableIt has too many protonsWhat is the “octet rule”?
Atoms want 8 neutronsAtoms want 8 electrons in their outer shellAtoms want to be grouped in 8sAtoms have 8 bondsWhich element commonly bonds with chlorine to form table salt?
PotassiumCarbonSodiumOxygenWhat group is chlorine found in on the periodic table?
Group 1Group 17Group 7Group 8If chlorine gains one electron, what happens?
It becomes unstableIt forms a gasIt becomes chemically stableIt loses protonsRelated Content
