* Sodium (Na) has one valence electron in its outermost shell. This electron is loosely held and easily removed.
* Chlorine (Cl) has seven valence electrons in its outermost shell. It wants to gain one more electron to achieve a stable octet (8 electrons).
* Ionic Bond Formation: When sodium and chlorine react, sodium *donates* its valence electron to chlorine. This creates:
* Sodium ion (Na+): Sodium loses an electron and becomes positively charged.
* Chloride ion (Cl-): Chlorine gains an electron and becomes negatively charged.
* Electrostatic Attraction: The oppositely charged ions (Na+ and Cl-) are then attracted to each other through electrostatic forces, forming a strong ionic bond.
In summary: Sodium's valence electron is transferred to chlorine, resulting in the formation of positively charged sodium ions and negatively charged chloride ions. These ions then attract each other to form the stable, crystalline structure of table salt.
