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.
Explanation:
To determine the number of valence electrons in an atom, we look at its position in the periodic table, specifically in the main group elements. Fluorine is located in Group 17 (also known as Group VIIA in older naming systems), which consists of the halogens. The halogens all have similar chemical properties because they each have 7 valence electrons in their outermost electron shell.
The electron configuration of fluorine is:1s2 2s2 2p51s^2 \, 2s^2 \, 2p^51s22s22p5
Here, the first shell (1s) contains 2 electrons, and the second shell (2s and 2p) contains 7 electrons. The 7 electrons in the second shell are the valence electrons, which are involved in bonding and chemical reactions. Since fluorine needs only 1 more electron to achieve a stable octet (8 electrons in its outer shell, following the octet rule), it tends to form bonds by accepting or sharing electrons.
Fluorine’s tendency to accept one electron to fill its valence shell makes it highly reactive and gives it a high electronegativity. This is why fluorine is the most electronegative element on the periodic table.
In summary, fluorine has 7 valence electrons, which play a crucial role in its chemical reactivity, especially its ability to form bonds and gain electrons to achieve stability.
