* Chlorine's Nature: Chlorine atoms have a high electronegativity, meaning they have a strong attraction for electrons.
* Calcium's Nature: Calcium atoms have a low electronegativity, meaning they are more likely to lose electrons.
* Ionic Bonding: When chlorine atoms attract electrons from calcium, they gain a negative charge, becoming chloride ions (Cl-). Calcium loses electrons, becoming a positively charged calcium ion (Ca2+).
* Electrostatic Attraction: The opposite charges of the ions create a strong electrostatic attraction, forming an ionic bond. This is the foundation of the compound calcium chloride (CaCl2).
In summary: The chlorine atoms would become negatively charged chloride ions (Cl-) when they attract electrons from calcium.