* Chlorine's Natural State: Chlorine (Cl) has 17 electrons. Its electron configuration is 2-8-7. This means it has 7 valence electrons (electrons in the outermost shell).
* Stable Electron Configuration: Atoms strive for a stable octet (8 electrons) in their outer shell.
* Ionization: Chlorine gains one electron to achieve a stable configuration, becoming a negatively charged ion (anion).
Symbol: The symbol for a chloride ion (chlorine that has gained an electron) is Cl⁻.
Explanation:
* Cl: The symbol for chlorine.
* ⁻: The superscript minus sign indicates that the chlorine atom has gained one electron, giving it a negative charge.
