Why does the chloride ion have a -1 charge?

Question

A) Chlorine atoms lose an electron.
B) Chlorine atoms share electrons.
C) Chlorine atoms have no electrons.
D) Chlorine atoms gain an electron.

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

D) Chlorine atoms gain an electron.

Chlorine atoms have seven electrons in their outer shell and need one more to achieve a stable octet configuration. By gaining one electron, they become negatively charged ions (chloride ions) with a -1 charge.