Final answer:
Chlorine (Cl) is a non-metal and part of the highly reactive halogens group in Group 17 of the periodic table. It is a gas at room temperature and forms diatomic molecules (Cl₂), often combining with metals to create salts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Classification of Chlorine
Chlorine (Cl) is classified as a non-metal. It is part of the halogens group, which includes elements like fluorine (F), bromine (Br), iodine (I), and astatine (At). These elements are located in Group 17 of the periodic table and are recognized for their high reactivity. Chlorine, in particular, exists as a gas at room temperature and forms diatomic molecules, Cl₂. It, along with the other halogens, readily reacts with metals to form salts, such as sodium chloride (NaCl) and calcium chloride (CaCl₂), demonstrating its non-metallic properties.
Non-metals can take the form of gases, liquids, or solids under normal conditions. Besides their lack of luster and poor electrical and heat conductivity, non-metals are usually brittle when solid and do not have the metallic characteristic of electron delocalization that is seen in metals.