When an atom of sodium reacts with an atom of chlorine to form sodium chloride, each
sodium atom:
-
A.
gains one electron
-
B.
gains one proton
-
C.
loses one electron
-
D.
loses one proton
Correct Answer:
C. loses one electron
Explanation:
The correct answer is Option C: loses one electron.
When sodium (Na) reacts with chlorine (Cl) to form sodium chloride (NaCl), an ionic bond is created through the transfer of electrons. Sodium is an alkali metal with one electron in its outermost shell. To achieve a stable, full outer shell similar to a noble gas, the sodium atom sheds this single valence electron. By losing this negatively charged electron, the neutral sodium atom transforms into a positively charged sodium ion (Na+). Conversely, the chlorine atom accepts this electron to complete its own outer shell, resulting in the formation of the ionic compound.
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