What describes the common charge of halogen ions after they react with metals?

Halogens typically gain electrons when they react with metals, resulting in the formation of halide ions. This process occurs due to the halogens' high electronegativity and their tendency to achieve a stable electronic configuration, often resembling that of noble gases. When a halogen atom gains an electron, it becomes negatively charged because the number of electrons now exceeds the number of protons in its nucleus. For example, chlorine gains an electron to form a chloride ion (Cl⁻), which has a negative charge. Therefore, the common charge of halogen ions after they react with metals is negative. This behavior is fundamental to understanding ionic bonding, as metals typically lose electrons to become positively charged cations, while nonmetals like halogens gain electrons to form anions.