Here's why:
* Sodium's Electron Configuration: Sodium has an electron configuration of 1s²2s²2p⁶3s¹. It has one electron in its outermost shell (3s¹).
* Tendency to Lose Electrons: Sodium wants to achieve a stable octet (8 electrons) in its outermost shell. It's easier for sodium to lose its single valence electron than to gain seven more.
* Formation of Cations: By losing one electron, sodium becomes a positively charged ion (Na⁺), called a cation.
* Reaction with Nonmetals: Nonmetals, on the other hand, tend to gain electrons to complete their octet. When sodium reacts with a nonmetal, the nonmetal gains the electron that sodium loses.
This transfer of electrons is what forms an ionic bond, leading to the formation of ionic compounds.
