Question

Compare:

Chlorine atom and chloride ion, with respect to

1. atomic structure
2. electrical state
3. chemical action
4. toxicity

Answer 1

1. Chlorine atom has 7 electrons in its M shell while Chloride ion has 8 electrons in the same shell.
2. Chlorine atom is neutral while chloride ion is negatively charged.
3. Chlorine atom is highly reactive while its ion is inert.
4. Chlorine gas is poisonous while chloride ion is non-poisonous.

Answer 2

	Chlorine atom (Cl)	Chloride ion (Cl−)
1. Atomic structure	2, 8, 7	2, 8, 8
2. Electrical state	Chlorine atom is electrically neutral.	Chloride ion is negatively charged.
3. Chemical action	The chemical action of chlorine is very active.	The chemical action of chloride ion is inactive.
4. Toxicity	The toxicity of chlorine atoms is poisonous.	The toxicity of chloride ions is non-poisonous.