How many electrons are present in the valence shell of a chlorine atom?

A chlorine atom has seven electrons in its valence shell. Chlorine belongs to Group 17 of the periodic table, commonly known as the halogens. The electron configuration of chlorine is 3s² 3p⁵, indicating that it has two electrons in the 3s orbital and five electrons in the 3p orbital. The outermost electron shell, which is the third shell in this case, contains all seven valence electrons. Chlorine readily gains one electron to achieve a stable, full valence shell, resulting in a negative charge and forming chloride ions (Cl⁻) in various chemical reactions.