Final answer:
An atom or molecule that accepts electrons is known as an anion. Chlorine becomes a chloride ion with a negative charge when it accepts an electron, forming ionic compounds through electrostatic attraction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The atom or molecule that accepts the electrons is known as the anion. In the case of chlorine, when it gains one electron, it takes on a net negative charge, turning it into a chloride ion (Cl-). This gain of electron(s) is a key aspect of many chemical reactions, particularly in the formation of ionic compounds like table salt (NaCl). Ionic compounds consist of positive and negative ions, like sodium cations (Na+) and chloride anions, held together by the electrostatic forces of attraction between them. Unlike covalent bonds, which involve the sharing of electrons between atoms, ionic bonds arise from the electrical attraction between ions with opposite charges.