79.4k views
5 votes
Which element (Na or Cl) is more likely to steal an outer electron from the other?

1 Answer

1 vote

Answer:

Cl is more likely to than Na

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks for the element more take up an electron from the other

The ability of an atom to take take or give electrons in a chemical reaction, depends on its electron affinity and ionization energy, respectively

Chlorine, Cl, has the highest electron affinity in the periodic table which makes it attract electrons more towards itself

Sodium, Na, has a low ionization energy (about 2/5 of that of chlorine) than chlorine, Cl, making sodium more readily able to give its valence electron in a reaction

Therefore, Cl is more likely to take up an outer electron from Na.

User Sushil
by
4.2k points