How many electrons are present in the following ion? Cl^-1 35 17 16 18

To determine the number of electrons in the chloride ion ($Cl^{-1}$), we need to consider the number of electrons in a neutral chlorine atom and then account for the additional electron gained due to the negative charge.<br /><br />1. **Number of electrons in a neutral chlorine atom:**<br /> - Chlorine has an atomic number of 17, which means a neutral chlorine atom has 17 electrons.<br /><br />2. **Effect of the negative charge:**<br /> - The $^{-1}$ charge indicates that the ion has gained one additional electron compared to the neutral atom.<br /><br />Therefore, the total number of electrons in the $Cl^{-1}$ ion is:<br />\[ 17 \text{ (electrons in the neutral atom)} + 1 \text{ (extra electron due to the negative charge)} = 18 \text{ electrons} \]<br /><br />So, the correct answer is:<br />\[ \boxed{18} \]