Question detail
Describe how the charge on a chloride ion (Cl-) is linked to electron gain.
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
Question
Type
exam_style
Style
Topic
Chemical bonds, ionic, covalent and metallic
Question
Describe how the charge on a chloride ion (Cl-) is linked to electron gain.
Answer
The charge on a chloride ion (Cl-) is -1 because it gains one electron to complete its outer shell. This gain of an electron results in a negatively charged ion, as there are now more electrons than protons in the atom.
Explanation
This question assesses the student's ability to explain the relationship between electron gain and the formation of negative ions. It reinforces the concept of how non-metal atoms become negatively charged through electron acquisition.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Ion Charges
Students often confuse the charge of a simple ion with the number of electrons lost or gained, thinking that the charge is simply the number of electrons involved.
Emphasize that the charge on a simple ion is determined by the loss of electrons for positive ions and the gain of electrons for negative ions, and that it reflects the difference between protons and electrons.
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