Here's why:

* Atoms are electrically neutral: Atoms have an equal number of protons (positively charged) and electrons (negatively charged).

* Chlorine's atomic structure: Chlorine has 17 protons and 17 electrons.

* Equal and opposite charges cancel: The 17 positive charges from the protons are perfectly balanced by the 17 negative charges from the electrons, resulting in a net charge of zero.

Therefore, a neutral chlorine atom has no overall charge.