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Why do chloride ions have a negative charge?

  • A. It lost a proton.
  • B. It gained a proton.
  • C. It gained an electron.
  • D. It lost an electron.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Chloride ions (Cl-) have a negative charge because they gained an electron. When an atom gains an electron, it increases the number of negative charges relative to positive charges, resulting in a net negative charge, as seen in chloride ions. In the case of chloride ions, a chlorine atom gains an extra electron to achieve a stable electron configuration, turning it into a chloride ion with a negative charge.