How many dots are present in the Lewis dot symbol for the chloride ion, Cl^-?

• A. 8
• B. 9
• C. 6
• D. 7

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Identify the element and its valence electrons. Chlorine (Cl) is in group 17 of the periodic table, so it has 7 valence electrons.
2. Step 2: Understand that the Lewis dot symbol represents the valence electrons as dots around the chemical symbol.
3. Step 3: Since the species is a chloride ion (Cl⁻), it has gained one extra electron, increasing the total valence electrons by 1.
4. Step 4: Calculate the total number of valence electrons to be represented as dots: 7 (from Cl) + 1 (extra electron) = 8 dots.
5. Step 5: Draw or visualize the Lewis dot symbol for Cl⁻ with 8 dots arranged around the symbol Cl, representing a full octet.