1. Formation of Sodium Chloride (NaCl):
Chlorine gas reacts with the bromide ions (Br-) in the sodium bromide solution, resulting in the formation of sodium chloride (NaCl). This is because chlorine has a higher electronegativity than bromine, so it tends to attract electrons from the bromide ions, forming a covalent bond with sodium ions (Na+).
2. Release of Bromine (Br2):
As chlorine gas reacts with bromide ions, it oxidizes them to form bromine molecules (Br2). Bromine is a reddish-brown, volatile element that is less soluble in water compared to chlorine gas. Therefore, it tends to escape from the solution as a gas.
The overall reaction can be represented as follows:
```
Cl2(g) + 2NaBr(aq) → 2NaCl(aq) + Br2(g)
```
In summary, when chlorine gas is bubbled through a sodium bromide solution, it results in the formation of sodium chloride and the liberation of bromine gas.