To determine the total number of electrons present in a chlorine atom when it is electrically neutral, we need to consider the atomic number and the number of protons in the nucleus.

The atomic number of chlorine is 17, which means that a neutral chlorine atom has 17 protons in its nucleus. Since the atom is electrically neutral, it must also have 17 electrons orbiting the nucleus to balance the positive charges of the protons.

Therefore, when the chlorine atom is electrically neutral, it has a total of 17 electrons.