The electronic configuration of the chloride ion, given that chlorine has atomic number 17, is
- A. 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p5
- B. 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6
- C. 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p4
- D. 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s1
Explanation
Chlorine gains one electron to form the chloride ion, taking its total to 18 and giving it the argon configuration with a complete octet. That stability is exactly why the ion forms so readily. Writing the neutral atom's configuration instead is the standard slip.
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