Question

Describe how sodium and chlorine atoms are changed into ions when they react with each other to form sodium chloride, NaCl. What is the name given to this type of bonding? (At. No of sodium = 11; At. No, of chlorine = 17)

Answer 1

Sodium atoms lose one electron to become positively charged sodium cations, while chlorine atoms gain an electron to become negatively charged chloride anions. These ions are held together by an ionic bond, forming the compound sodium chloride, NaCl.

Step-by-step explanation:

When sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl) react to form sodium chloride (NaCl), a transfer of electrons occurs, turning the atoms into ions. Sodium, with an atomic number of 11, loses one electron, becoming a sodium cation (Na+) with a positive charge. Chlorine, having an atomic number of 17, gains this electron, resulting in a chloride anion (Cl−) with a negative charge.

The ionic bond forms when these oppositely charged ions attract each other, creating a stable ionic compound. This transformation can be represented as:

• 2Na(s) + Cl2(g) → 2NaCl(s)

In solid NaCl, the ions are arranged in a regular three-dimensional lattice, which is responsible for the crystalline structure of table salt. The resulting sodium chloride properties differ markedly from its constituent elements, illustrating the dramatic changes that occur during ion formation and ionic bonding.