Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
What is the charge of a chloride ion?
A
0
B
+1
C
-2
D
-1
Verified step by step guidance
1
Recall that a chloride ion is formed when a chlorine atom gains electrons to achieve a full outer electron shell, similar to the nearest noble gas configuration.
Understand that a neutral chlorine atom has 17 protons and 17 electrons, so its net charge is zero.
When chlorine gains one electron, the total number of electrons becomes 18, while the number of protons remains 17.
Calculate the net charge by subtracting the number of electrons from the number of protons: $\text{Charge} = +17 - 18 = -1$.
Conclude that the chloride ion carries a charge of $-1$ because it has one more electron than protons.