why does a chlorine atom readily accept another electron?

Question

The electron affinity for chlorine has a negative value, indicating that the atom readily accepts another electron. Why does a chlorine atom readily accept another electron?

Answer 1

Because it needs just one more electron to get the set. When it gets another electron it is in the same configuration as one of the inert gasses, which is the most stable form.

Answer 2

A Chlorine Atom

Answer 3

The Cl atom has only 7 elections in it outer shell. To be stable, It wants to complete that shell with 8 electrons. Typically Chlorine will bond to an element in row 1 of the periodic table as these elements have a single electron in their outer shell.

Answer 4

Please forgive me for personifying atoms but it's the easiest way to explain things xD.

The Chlorine atom does not naturally have a stable configuration, in other words its electron shell is not filled. The atom "wants" to achieve a stable configuration and therefore will readily accept another electron to achieve a noble gas configuration. (that of Ar in this case)

Answer 5

a million.Calcium sulfide has greater melting element.The intense lattice ability shows that the lattice shape of calcium sulfide is stressful to break as greater ability is had to break it. 2.the chlorine atom has 7 valence electrons.this suggests chlorine calls for one electron to end its octet.This the electron that the chlorine atom conveniently settle for.

Answer 6

Because with one more electron it has a full valence shell, which is the lowest energy and thus the most favorable for an atom.

Answer 7

Because its highly electronegativity. Chlorine just need one electron to complete its final layer (octet rule) so it is eager to accept one from other chemical species (example Sodium Na+ which in turn is eager to donate it).