Elements with seven valence electrons are known as halogens. In the periodic table, these elements are found in Group 17 and include fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine. Due to their high reactivity, halogens readily form compounds with other elements.
The term “halogen” originates from the Greek words “halos” (meaning salt) and “genes” (meaning to form), reflecting the tendency of these elements to combine with metals to form salts. The seven valence electrons in halogens give them a strong tendency to gain an extra electron to achieve a stable electron configuration, making them highly reactive and important in various chemical reactions.
Understanding Valence Electrons
Valence electrons play a crucial role in determining the chemical behavior of an atom. They are the electrons located in the outermost energy level of an atom and are involved in chemical bonding. Valence electrons are responsible for the formation of chemical compounds and the stability of chemical reactions.
Atoms have different numbers of valence electrons, and these electrons are organized in different energy levels or shells. The most stable arrangement for an atom is to have a completely filled outermost energy level.
What Are 7 Valence Electrons Called?
When an atom has 7 valence electrons, it falls into a specific category known as the “halogens.” The term “halogens” is derived from the Greek word “halos,” meaning “salt” or “sea,” indicating that compounds containing halogens are often found in seawater.
The halogens are a group of elements in the periodic table that consists of fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), iodine (I), and astatine (At). These elements are highly reactive due to their 7 valence electrons, and they readily form compounds with other elements to achieve a stable electron configuration.
The Characteristics of Halogens
Halogens exhibit certain distinct characteristics, which are directly related to their 7 valence electrons:
- High Electronegativity: Halogens have a strong attraction for electrons, making them highly electronegative. This property allows them to easily form covalent bonds with less electronegative elements.
- Reactivity: Halogens are highly reactive due to their 7 valence electrons. They tend to gain or share one electron to achieve a stable octet configuration, making them strong oxidizing agents.
- Colorful Appearance: Several halogens exhibit distinctive colors in their pure state or when present in compounds. For example, chlorine is yellow-green, bromine is reddish-brown, and iodine is violet.
- Existence as Diatomic Molecules: Halogens exist as diatomic molecules in their elemental form. For instance, chlorine exists as Cl2, bromine as Br2, and iodine as I2. This is due to their tendency to share electrons and form strong covalent bonds with each other.
- Highly Reactive with Metals: Halogens readily react with metals to form ionic compounds known as metal halides. For example, sodium chloride (NaCl) is formed when chlorine reacts with sodium. These metal halides often have important applications in various industries.
- Widespread Occurrence: Halogens are found abundantly in nature, typically in the form of salts. Chlorine is commonly found in table salt (sodium chloride) and is used for water disinfection. Iodine is found in seawater and is an essential element for the thyroid gland.
- As Oxidizing Agents: Halogens easily accept one electron to achieve a stable configuration, making them powerful oxidizing agents. This property is utilized in various chemical reactions, such as organic synthesis and water treatment processes.
The category of elements with 7 valence electrons is known as halogens. They possess distinct characteristics due to their electron configuration, making them highly reactive and important in various chemical processes. Understanding the role of valence electrons helps in comprehending the behavior and properties of different elements in the periodic table.
7 valence electrons are called heptavalent electrons.