* Sodium (Na) has one valence electron (electron in its outermost shell). It tends to *lose* this electron to achieve a stable electron configuration. When it loses this electron, it becomes a positively charged ion called a sodium ion (Na+).

* Chlorine (Cl) has seven valence electrons. It tends to *gain* one electron to achieve a stable electron configuration. When it gains an electron, it becomes a negatively charged ion called a chloride ion (Cl-).

The combination:

When sodium and chlorine react, the sodium atom loses its electron, and the chlorine atom gains that electron. This forms an ionic bond between the two ions.

Therefore, the charges on the ions after they combine are:

* Sodium ion (Na+): +1 charge

* Chloride ion (Cl-): -1 charge

This combination results in the formation of sodium chloride (NaCl), which is commonly known as table salt.