How many valence electrons does iodine have?

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Multiple Choice

How many valence electrons does iodine have?

Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom. For main-group elements, their number reflects the group they’re in. Iodine is in group 17 (the halogens), so it has seven valence electrons. Its electron configuration ends with 5s2 5p5, which altogether gives seven electrons in the outermost shell. While iodine commonly gains one electron to form a stable I− ion, neutral iodine itself has seven valence electrons.

Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom. For main-group elements, their number reflects the group they’re in. Iodine is in group 17 (the halogens), so it has seven valence electrons. Its electron configuration ends with 5s2 5p5, which altogether gives seven electrons in the outermost shell. While iodine commonly gains one electron to form a stable I− ion, neutral iodine itself has seven valence electrons.

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