How many valence electrons does fluorine (F) possess? 05 06 02 01 07
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Fluorine (F) possesses 7 valence electrons. Here’s a detailed explanation of how we arrive at this answer.
Atomic Structure of Fluorine
Fluorine has an atomic number of 9, meaning it has 9 protons in its nucleus and, in its neutral state, 9 electrons surrounding the nucleus. These electrons are arranged in energy levels or shells.
- The first energy shell (closest to the nucleus) can hold a maximum of 2 electrons. Fluorine has 2 electrons in this shell.
- The second energy shell can hold a maximum of 8 electrons. Fluorine has the remaining 7 electrons in this second shell.
Valence Electrons
Valence electrons are the electrons found in the outermost shell of an atom. These are the electrons that participate in chemical bonding and reactions. Since fluorine’s outermost shell (the second shell) contains 7 electrons, fluorine has 7 valence electrons.
This is why fluorine is highly reactive; it has only 1 electron short of filling its outer shell, which would make it more stable. To achieve a stable configuration, fluorine tends to gain 1 electron, forming a negatively charged ion (F⁻) or sharing electrons in covalent bonds.
Why 7 Valence Electrons?
The number of valence electrons corresponds to the group in the periodic table where the element is located. Fluorine belongs to Group 17, known as the halogens. All halogens have 7 valence electrons, which is characteristic of this group.
Conclusion
In summary, fluorine has 7 valence electrons, and its tendency to gain 1 electron in chemical reactions is a key feature that defines its chemical behavior, especially its high reactivity. This property makes fluorine essential in many compounds, like hydrogen fluoride (HF) and various salts.
