* Chlorine atom: A chlorine atom is neutral. It has 17 protons (positive charge) and 17 electrons (negative charge), making the overall charge zero.
* Chloride ion: A chloride ion has a negative charge (-1). It gains an extra electron, giving it 17 protons and 18 electrons. This extra electron results in a net negative charge.
Here's a breakdown:
| Feature | Chlorine Atom | Chloride Ion |
|----------------|--------------------|--------------------|
| Charge | Neutral (0) | Negative (-1) |
| Number of Protons | 17 | 17 |
| Number of Electrons | 17 | 18 |
Why does chlorine become a chloride ion?
Chlorine atoms are highly reactive. They tend to gain an electron to achieve a stable configuration similar to the noble gas Argon. This process of gaining an electron creates the chloride ion.
In summary:
The chloride ion is a chlorine atom that has gained an extra electron, resulting in a negative charge. This difference in charge significantly affects the chemical properties and reactivity of the two species.
