A chlorine atom that gains or loses a valence electron becomes a charged particle called an ion.

Here's why:

* Chlorine's Natural State: Chlorine has 7 valence electrons, meaning it's one electron away from a stable octet (8 electrons).

* Gaining an Electron: If chlorine gains an electron, it becomes a chloride ion (Cl-). It now has 8 valence electrons and a negative charge because it has one more electron than protons.

* Losing an Electron: If chlorine loses an electron, it becomes a chlorine cation (Cl+). It now has 6 valence electrons and a positive charge because it has one fewer electron than protons.

So, the specific name for a charged chlorine atom depends on whether it gains or loses an electron.