Solution:
The valency of chlorine is one. It means it can form compounds by gaining one electron to achieve a stable electron configuration. Chlorine typically forms compounds with metals, such as sodium chloride (table salt), where it gains an electron from sodium to form a stable ionic bond.The atomic number of chlorine is 17. Then the number of electrons in a chlorine atom is also 17. Since the K shell can accommodate 2 electrons, the L shell can have a maximum of 8 electrons, M shell needs a minimum of 8 electrons to be stable. Chlorine has 7 electrons in the M shell and needs 1 electron to be stable. Hence the valency of the chlorine atom will be one (8-7)=1. Here are some facts about the valency of chlorine:
- Chlorine is a highly reactive element and readily forms compounds with many other elements.
- One of the most common compounds of chlorine is sodium chloride (NaCl), or table salt, where chlorine combines with sodium to form an ionic bond.
- Chlorine is used in the production of a wide range of products, including disinfectants, plastics, and pharmaceuticals, due to its versatile chemistry.
- Chlorine gas is toxic and can cause respiratory problems and other health issues if inhaled in large quantities.