An element has an atomic number of 17. Which of the following statements best describes its chemical nature?

Question

Examoogle · Accepted Answer

The correct answer is Option C: It is a highly reactive non-metal. An element with an atomic number of 17 is Chlorine ($Cl$). It possesses 7 valence electrons in its outermost shell, making it a highly reactive non-metal that readily gains one electron to achieve a stable octet configuration.

Step-by-Step Solution & Concepts:
An element with an atomic number of 17 is Chlorine ($Cl$). It possesses 7 valence electrons in its outermost shell, making it a highly reactive non-metal that readily gains one electron to achieve a stable octet configuration.

Working Principle: According to the octet rule, atoms tend to gain, lose, or share electrons to attain the stable electronic configuration of the nearest noble gas. With an electronic configuration of $2, 8, 7$, Chlorine requires only one electron to complete its $M$-shell ($n=3$). This high electron affinity results in the formation of chloride ions ($Cl^-$) and makes the element extremely reactive in chemical bonding.

Key Formulas: $Cl + e^- \rightarrow Cl^-$ — The gain of an electron to form a stable chloride ion; $1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^5$ — Electronic configuration of Chlorine

Key Points: Atomic number 17 corresponds to the element Chlorine.; It belongs to the halogen group (Group 17) of the periodic table.; It has high electronegativity due to its small atomic size and high effective nuclear charge.; It commonly acts as a strong oxidizing agent.

Advantages: High reactivity allows it to serve as a powerful disinfectant and bleaching agent.

Disadvantages: High reactivity makes it toxic to biological organisms in its elemental form.

Applications: Water purification and sanitation.; Production of PVC plastics and household bleach.

Additional Info: Atomic number 18 is Argon (a noble gas), which is chemically inert due to a complete octet.. Option A is incorrect as noble gases have 8 valence electrons.. Option B is incorrect because metals typically lose electrons to form cations, whereas Chlorine gains electrons.. Option D is incorrect as metalloids have properties intermediate between metals and non-metals, like Silicon.

Answer: C is correct — Chlorine is a highly reactive non-metal because it needs only one electron to complete its outermost valence shell.

Exam Tip: Always remember the trend: Group 1 (Alkali metals) are highly reactive metals, while Group 17 (Halogens) are highly reactive non-metals.

Examoogle · Answer

Option A: It is a noble gas

Examoogle · Answer

Option B: It is a highly reactive metal

Examoogle · Answer

Option D: It is a metalloid

Correct Answer

Solve 10,000+ More Questions with AI Tutor

Discussion (0)

Correct Answer

Solve 10,000+ More Questions with AI Tutor

Related Questions

Discussion (0)