* Sodium (Na): Sodium has one electron in its outermost shell. It wants to lose this electron to achieve a stable electron configuration like the noble gases.
* Chlorine (Cl): Chlorine has seven electrons in its outermost shell. It wants to gain one electron to achieve a stable electron configuration like the noble gases.
The Exchange:
1. Sodium loses an electron: The sodium atom gives up its lone valence electron, becoming a positively charged sodium ion (Na+).
2. Chlorine gains an electron: The chlorine atom accepts the electron from sodium, becoming a negatively charged chloride ion (Cl-).
3. Ionic bond formation: The oppositely charged ions (Na+ and Cl-) are attracted to each other by electrostatic forces, forming an ionic bond. This attraction is strong and results in the formation of a crystal lattice structure in solid NaCl.
Result:
The exchange of an electron between sodium and chlorine creates a stable compound, sodium chloride (NaCl). This compound is a white, crystalline solid that is commonly known as table salt.
In summary:
* Sodium atom loses an electron to become a positively charged ion (Na+).
* Chlorine atom gains an electron to become a negatively charged ion (Cl-).
* The oppositely charged ions attract each other forming an ionic bond and creating sodium chloride (NaCl).
