How many electrons are in the highest occupied energy level of a neutral chlorine atom?

1 Answer
Nov 28, 2015

There are seven electrons in the highest occupied energy level of a chlorine atom. These electrons occupy the #"s and p"# sublevels, and make up the valence shell.

Explanation:

A chlorine atom has the atomic number 17, which means it has 17 protons in its nucleus. A neutral chlorine atom also has 17 electrons. The electron configuration for chlorine is #["Ne"]"3s"^2"3p"^5"#. The highest energy #"s and p"# sublevels make up the valence shell.