Question

What does the change in size of Na (sodium) and Cl (chlorine) atoms, where Na shrinks and Cl grows when Na loses an electron, suggest about the location of the electron before and after it was transferred?

Answer 1

When Na (sodium) loses an electron and Cl (chlorine) gains an electron, it suggests that the electron moved from Na to Cl. This electron transfer occurs when Na donates a single electron to Cl, resulting in the formation of Na+ and Cl- ions. The opposite charges of these ions allow the formation of an ionic bond, holding the Na+ and Cl- ions together.

Step-by-step explanation:

Na (sodium) can donate a single electron to Cl (chlorine) atoms, generating Na+ and Cl- ions. The oppositely charged ions then come together forming an ionic bond, an electrostatic interaction of opposite charges that holds the Na+ and Cl- ions together in crystal salt. Look up the Bohr models of these two elements and see how ionization of each leaves filled outer shells (energy levels) in the ions.