An atom of sodium (Na) has a single electron in its outer shell and an atom of c

Question

An atom of sodium (Na) has a single electron in its outer shell and an atom of chlorine (Cl) has seven (7) electrons in its outer shell. What happens when these two elements bond?

The compound becomes poisonous.

Sodium shares its electron with chlorine.

Sodium becomes negatively charged.

There is a transfer of one electron from sodium to chlorine.

Chlorine becomes positively charged.

The compound becomes poisonous.

Sodium shares its electron with chlorine.

Sodium becomes negatively charged.

There is a transfer of one electron from sodium to chlorine.

Chlorine becomes positively charged.

Explanation / Answer

d. There is a transfer of one electron from sodium to chlorine

Since chlorine gained a negatively charged electron, it now has more electrons than protons and has a net negative charge. Since sodium lost an electron, it now has more protons than electrons and so has a net positive charge. Charged particles (like sodium and chlorine after the transfer of electrons) are called ions. Due to the opposite charge of the two ions (negative chloride and positive sodium), the two ions are attracted to each other and form an ionic bond.

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