The electron configuration of chlorine is: 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p5.
In this article, we will study chlorine electron configuration and see how electrons are arranged in different shells and subshells in Chlorine.
1. Chlorine
Chlorine (Cl) is a chemical element with the atomic number 17 and the symbol Cl.
It is a non-metal in group 17 of the periodic table, also known as the halogens. Chlorine is a highly reactive element and exists in nature primarily as the diatomic molecule Cl2.
Chlorine is a greenish-yellow gas at room temperature and pressure. It has a pungent odor and is highly toxic. Chlorine is used in a variety of industrial applications, such as in the production of bleach, solvents, and plastics. It is also commonly used as a disinfectant in water treatment and swimming pools.
In its natural form, chlorine is not found as a free element on Earth. It is primarily found in the form of chloride compounds in salt water and in the Earth’s crust. Chlorine is a necessary nutrient for most plants and animals, including humans, in small quantities. However, in larger concentrations, chlorine can be harmful and even deadly.
2. Electron Configuration of Chlorine
The electron configuration of chlorine is:
1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p5
This means that chlorine has 17 electrons. The first two electrons are in the 1s orbital, the next two are in the 2s orbital, the next six are in the 2p orbital, the next two are in the 3s orbital, and the last five are in the 3p orbital.
The outermost shell, which is the 3p shell, has five electrons, and these are the valence electrons of chlorine.
3. Distribution of Electrons in Shell in Chlorine Atom
Chlorine (Cl) has an atomic number of 17, which means it has 17 electrons distributed in different energy levels or shells.
This means that the first shell (designated as “K”) has 2 electrons, the second shell (designated as “L”) has 8 electrons, and the third shell (designated as “M”) has 7 electrons.
Alternatively, we can represent the electron distribution using the electron shell notation as:
K (2), L (8), M (7) OR 2, 8, 7
This notation indicates the number of electrons in each shell, with the total number of electrons in parentheses.
4. Valence Electrons in Chlorine
To determine the number of valence electrons in chlorine, we need to look at the outermost shell, which is the third shell (designated as “M”). The M shell has a total of 7 electrons, so chlorine has 7 valence electrons in its outermost shell. Therefore, the valency of the chlorine atom becomes 1.
Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom that are involved in chemical bonding. In the case of chlorine, the 7 valence electrons make it highly reactive and able to form a variety of chemical bonds with other elements.
5. Occurrence of Chlorine
Chlorine (Cl) is a relatively abundant element on Earth and is the second lightest element in the halogen group (after fluorine). Chlorine does not occur naturally as a free element in nature, but it is commonly found in the form of chloride compounds in various minerals and in seawater
- The most common chloride compound is sodium chloride (NaCl), or table salt, which is found in large deposits in underground salt mines and in the seawater of saltwater bodies. Other chloride minerals, such as sylvite (KCl), carnallite (KMgC3·6H2O), and halite (NaCl), are also found in the Earth’s crust.
- Chlorine is also produced commercially by the electrolysis of brine (salty water). This is a major source of chlorine for industrial purposes, such as the production of bleach, solvents, and plastics. Chlorine is also used in the production of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which were once used as refrigerants, but are now known to be harmful to the environment.
- Small amounts of chlorine are found in the Earth’s atmosphere, primarily as a result of the reaction of sea spray with atmospheric ozone. Chlorine is also an essential element for life and is present in many biological compounds, such as chlorophyll, which gives plants their green color.
Also Read:
Nitrogen Electron Configuration
Key Takeaways
- The chemical symbol for the chlorine atom is Cl.
- The electronic configuration of chlorine is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p5
- The distribution of electrons in the shell of the chlorine atom is 2, 8, 7.
- The valence electrons in chlorine are 7.
FAQs
What is the electronic configuration of Chlorine?
The electronic configuration of Chlorine is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p5.
How many shells does Chlorine have?
Chlorine has three electron shells, which are designated as K, L, and M shells.
How many valence electrons does Chlorine have?
Chlorine has 7 valence electrons in its outermost shell (the M shell).
Why is the electronic configuration of Chlorine important?
The electronic configuration of Chlorine determines its chemical properties and behavior, such as its reactivity and ability to form chemical bonds.
What is the significance of the p orbital in the electronic configuration of Chlorine?
The p orbital in the electronic configuration of Chlorine refers to the set of three p orbitals in the third shell (designated as 3p). These orbitals allow Chlorine to form covalent bonds with other elements and participate in chemical reactions.
How does the electronic configuration of Chlorine relate to its position in the periodic table?
The electronic configuration of Chlorine follows the pattern of the periodic table, which arranges elements in order of increasing atomic number and places elements with similar chemical properties in the same group. Chlorine is a member of group 17 (also known as the halogens), which all have 7 valence electrons in their outermost shell.