Answer:
Two atoms that form an ionic bond are Sodium (Na) and Chlorine (Cl).
1. Sodium (Na): Sodium is an alkali metal with an atomic number of 11. It has one valence electron in its outermost shell, making it highly reactive. Sodium readily loses this electron to achieve a stable electron configuration.
2. Chlorine (Cl): Chlorine is a halogen with an atomic number of 17. It has seven valence electrons in its outermost shell. Chlorine tends to gain one electron to complete its octet and achieve a stable electron configuration.
In an ionic bond between sodium and chlorine:
- Sodium will donate its single valence electron to chlorine, resulting in the formation of a sodium ion (Na+) with a positive charge. This occurs because sodium has a lower electronegativity and a tendency to lose electrons.
- Chlorine will accept the electron from sodium, forming a chloride ion (Cl-) with a negative charge. This happens because chlorine has a higher electronegativity and a tendency to gain electrons.
The attraction between the oppositely charged sodium ion and chloride ion creates the ionic bond. This bond is based on the electrostatic attraction between the positively charged ion (Na+) and the negatively charged ion (Cl-). The resulting compound is sodium chloride (NaCl), commonly known as table salt.
Step-by-step explanation: