* Sodium (Na) is a metal in group 1 of the periodic table. It has one valence electron (electron in the outermost shell). Sodium tends to lose this electron to achieve a stable octet (8 electrons in its outer shell). When it loses an electron, it becomes a positively charged ion, Na⁺.
* Oxygen (O) is a non-metal in group 16 of the periodic table. It has six valence electrons. Oxygen tends to gain two electrons to achieve a stable octet. When it gains two electrons, it becomes a negatively charged ion, O²⁻.
Ionic Bonding:
* The strong electrostatic attraction between the positively charged sodium ions (Na⁺) and the negatively charged oxide ions (O²⁻) forms the ionic bond.
* To balance the charges, two sodium atoms (each losing one electron) are required to bond with one oxygen atom (gaining two electrons).
Formula:
The resulting formula for sodium oxide is Na₂O. The subscript '2' indicates that there are two sodium ions for every one oxide ion.
Properties of Sodium Oxide:
* Solid at room temperature.
* White, crystalline solid.
* Highly reactive with water, forming sodium hydroxide (NaOH).
* Used in the production of glass, ceramics, and detergents.
