Multiple Choice
Which of the following elements is most reactive due to its tendency to lose one electron and form a +1 ion?
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2. Atoms & Elements
Periodic Table: Charges
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What is the most common ionic charge of chlorine (Cl) when it forms an ion?
A
+2
B
+1
C
-2
D
-1
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that chlorine (Cl) is a halogen located in Group 17 of the periodic table, which means it has 7 valence electrons.
Atoms tend to gain or lose electrons to achieve a full octet (8 valence electrons), which is a stable electron configuration similar to noble gases.
Since chlorine has 7 valence electrons, it needs to gain 1 electron to complete its octet.
When chlorine gains 1 electron, it forms an ion with a charge of -1 because electrons carry a negative charge.
Therefore, the most common ionic charge of chlorine when it forms an ion is -1.
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