Halogens are elements found in Group 17 of the periodic table. How many valence electrons does a halogen atom typically possess?

• A. 5
• B. 2
• C. 7
• D. 8

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the group number of halogens in the periodic table, which is Group 17.
2. Recall that the group number for main-group elements corresponds to the number of valence electrons for those elements.
3. Since halogens are in Group 17, they have 7 valence electrons.
4. Understand that valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom and determine its chemical properties.
5. Therefore, a typical halogen atom possesses 7 valence electrons.