Question

For a chlorine atom to become a chloride ion, the chlorine atom must
A. gain one electron
B. lose one electron
C. share one electron
D. lose all its electrons

Answer 1

a. Cl has 17 protons with a 1+ charge each for a total of 17+ charges. It has 17 electrons for a 17- charge; therefore, the chlorine atoms has a zero charge. BY gaining one (1) electron it now has 17+ and 18- or a net of 1- charge and is now a Cl^-. Note; All atoms have a zero charge.