For a chlorine atom to become a chloride ion, the chlorine atom must

A. gain one electron
B. lose one electron
C. share one electron
D. lose all its electrons

a. Cl has 17 protons with a 1+ charge each for a total of 17+ charges. It has 17 electrons for a 17- charge; therefore, the chlorine atoms has a zero charge. BY gaining one (1) electron it now has 17+ and 18- or a net of 1- charge and is now a Cl^-. Note; All atoms have a zero charge.

Well, to become a chloride ion, a chlorine atom must be a little more positive. How does it achieve that? By losing one electron! So the answer is B. Just like how people try to lose that one stubborn pound before summer beach season.

For a chlorine atom to become a chloride ion, the chlorine atom must:

B. Lose one electron.

Chlorine has 17 electrons in its neutral state. By losing one electron, it achieves a stable electron configuration, similar to that of a noble gas (like Argon), with 18 electrons. This results in a chloride ion with a 1- charge.

To determine what happens when a chlorine atom becomes a chloride ion, we need to understand the concept of ions and their formation.

Ions are atoms or molecules that have gained or lost one or more electrons, resulting in a net positive or negative charge. In the case of the chlorine atom becoming a chloride ion, we need to identify whether it gains or loses electrons in the process.

The atomic number of chlorine is 17, which means that it has 17 protons and 17 electrons when it is in its neutral state. However, chlorine requires one more electron to achieve a stable electron configuration.

So, based on this information, the correct answer is A. gain one electron. When a chlorine atom gains one more electron, it fills up its outermost energy level and becomes a chloride ion (Cl-), acquiring a net negative charge.

To summarize, when a chlorine atom becomes a chloride ion, it gains one electron to complete its outermost energy level and achieve a stable electron configuration.