What is the most common ionic charge of chlorine (Cl) when it forms an ion?

• A. +2
• B. +1
• C. -2
• D. -1

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that chlorine (Cl) is a halogen located in Group 17 of the periodic table, which means it has 7 valence electrons.
2. Atoms tend to gain or lose electrons to achieve a full octet (8 valence electrons), which is a stable electron configuration similar to noble gases.
3. Since chlorine has 7 valence electrons, it needs to gain 1 electron to complete its octet.
4. When chlorine gains 1 electron, it forms an ion with a charge of -1 because electrons carry a negative charge.
5. Therefore, the most common ionic charge of chlorine when it forms an ion is -1.