What is the chemical formula for chlorine gas?

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Study for the IGCSE Edexcel Chemistry Test. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

What is the chemical formula for chlorine gas?

Explanation:
Chlorine gas is formed from two chlorine atoms bonded together, so its formula is Cl2. In elemental form, many nonmetals pair up to make diatomic molecules, and chlorine has seven valence electrons, needing one more to complete its octet. By sharing one electron with another chlorine atom, both achieve a stable configuration, and the resulting molecule is neutral, with no overall charge—hence Cl2 describes the gas. The other options describe charged species or compounds that include oxygen, not pure chlorine gas. Cl- is a chloride ion (an atom with an extra electron), while ClO- and ClO2- are hypochlorite and chlorite ions, respectively—neither of which is a diatomic, neutral chlorine molecule.

Chlorine gas is formed from two chlorine atoms bonded together, so its formula is Cl2. In elemental form, many nonmetals pair up to make diatomic molecules, and chlorine has seven valence electrons, needing one more to complete its octet. By sharing one electron with another chlorine atom, both achieve a stable configuration, and the resulting molecule is neutral, with no overall charge—hence Cl2 describes the gas.

The other options describe charged species or compounds that include oxygen, not pure chlorine gas. Cl- is a chloride ion (an atom with an extra electron), while ClO- and ClO2- are hypochlorite and chlorite ions, respectively—neither of which is a diatomic, neutral chlorine molecule.

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