Question

Explain the electrovalency in: (a) Chlorine

Answer 1

Electrovalency:

When an element combines with another element by losing and gaining electrons to form a compound, its valency is called electrovalency.

Electrovalency in Chlorine $\mathbf{\left(}\mathbf{Cl}\mathbf{\right)}$:

1. Chlorine atom $\mathbf{\left(}\mathbf{Cl}\mathbf{\right)}$ has atomic number $17$. Thus, the number of electrons in a Chlorine atom are $17$.
2. The electronic configuration of Chlorine is $(2,8,7)$.
3. In order to acquire eight electrons in the outermost shell i.e. to attain nearest noble gas configuration, Chlorine atom gains $1$ electron in the outermost shell.
4. This leads to formation of Chloride ion having one unit of negative charge $\left({\mathrm{Cl}}^{-}\right)$.
5. Thus, the electrovalency of Chlorine is $-1$.