What is the negative charge on the cyanide ion?

The cyanide ion, represented as CN⁻, has a negative charge of -1. This is due to the fact that the cyanide ion is composed of a carbon atom triple-bonded to a nitrogen atom. In this arrangement, the carbon atom shares its electrons with the nitrogen but also involves an additional electron, resulting in an overall negative charge on the ion.

The negative charge indicates that there is one more electron present than protons in the ion, contributing to the -1 charge. This characteristic is essential in understanding the reactivity and bonding behavior of cyanide in various chemical contexts. Recognizing this charge is crucial for predicting how cyanide will interact with other chemical species and in various chemical reactions.

The other potential answers do not correspond to the cyanide ion. A charge of -2 would suggest an excess of two electrons, which is not the case as cyanide typically carries just one extra electron. A charge of 0 would imply a neutral species, which does not apply here since the cyanide ion is charged. Lastly, a charge of +1 suggests that there is a deficit of one electron, which again does not accurately represent the cyanide ion. Thus, identifying the correct charge as -1 is fundamental when studying the