[doubletriple1]

I am having trouble understanding the difference between the two. In what context would you use a Bromine radical instead of a Bromide ion. I am unfamiliar with what radicals are in general. Both Bromine radical and Bromide ion seem to involve an extra negative charge. Also, why is the formal charge on the Bromine radical 0?

[hollytara]

the difference is one electron.  Bromine radical is a bromine atom with one unpaired electron.  Bromide anion has one more electron - so they are all paired and there is a negative charge.

[Babcock_Hall]

A radical has an odd number of electrons.  What does this suggest about their reactivity?