Question

Chlorine atom and chloride ions:

• A. have an equal number of protons
• B. have an equal number of electrons
• C. form covalent bonds
• D. react spontaneously with water

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

have an equal number of protons

Chlorine atom and chloride ions have an equal number of protons. When chlorine atom is converted into chloride ion, there is no change in the composition of the nucleus.

A chlorine atom has one electron less than chloride ion. Chlorine atom gains one electron to form chloride ion.

Electronic configuration-

$Cl\Rightarrow 2,8,7$

$C{l}^{-}\Rightarrow 2,8,8$

Hence, the correct option is A.