Why does the chloride ion have a -1 charge?

Question

a
Chlorine atoms lose an electron.
b
Chlorine atoms share electrons.
c
Chlorine atoms gain an electron.
d
Chlorine atoms have no electrons.

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

c Chlorine atoms gain an electron.

Chlorine (Cl) has seven valence electrons and needs one more to complete its outer shell, achieving a stable electron configuration. When it gains one electron, it becomes negatively charged, resulting in the chloride ion (Cl⁻) with a -1 charge.