What are the possible oxidation numbers of an element if its atomic number is 17?

  • A -1 and 7
  • B -1 and 6
  • C -3 and 5
  • D -2 and 6

The correct answer is A. -1 and 7

The element with atomic number 17 is Chlorine with a valency of -1, that is it needs to receive an electron or possibly lose seven electrons to obey the octet rule.

Previous question Next question