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When an atom of sodium reacts with an atom of chlorine to form sodium chloride, each sodium atom:
gains one electron
gains one proton
loses one electron
loses one proton
loses one electron
Sodium (Na) has an atomic number of 11 with an electron configuration of 2,8,1. To achieve a stable octet noble gas configuration (like Neon, 2,8), a sodium atom readily loses its single valence electron. Losing a negatively charged electron leaves the sodium atom with 11 protons and 10 electrons, forming a positively charged sodium cation (Na+).
Sodium (Na) has an atomic number of 11 with an electron configuration of 2,8,1. To achieve a stable octet noble gas configuration (like Neon, 2,8), a sodium atom readily loses its single valence electron. Losing a negatively charged electron leaves the sodium atom with 11 protons and 10 electrons, forming a positively charged sodium cation (Na+).
Imagine Sodium as a person holding a heavy extra bag (its single valence electron) that makes them unstable. Chlorine is searching for just one bag to feel complete. Sodium willingly gives away its extra bag to Chlorine, making both stable and creating a strong mutual attraction (an ionic bond) between them.
LEO says GER: Loss of Electrons is Oxidation (Sodium loses 1 electron), Gain of Electrons is Reduction (Chlorine gains 1 electron).
NaтЖТNa++eтИТ тАФ Loss of 1 electron by Sodium atom (Oxidation)
Cl+eтИТтЖТClтИТ тАФ Gain of 1 electron by Chlorine atom (Reduction)
Na++ClтИТтЖТNa┬аCl тАФ Electrostatic attraction forming ionic compound
Ionic bond formation between sodium and chlorine involves a complete transfer of electrons driven by electronegativity differences. Sodium (Na) has a low ionization enthalpy and donates its 3s1 valence electron to chlorine (Cl), which has a high electron affinity with configuration 2,8,7. Upon electron transfer, Na becomes Na+ and Cl becomes ClтИТ, forming an electrostatically attracted ionic lattice of sodium chloride (Na┬аCl).
Sodium (Na) belongs to Group 1 (alkali metals) and has 1 valence electron.
Losing 1 electron gives Na+ the stable octet configuration of Neon (2,8).
Protons remain unchanged in the nucleus during chemical reactions; only valence electrons are gained, lost, or shared.
Formation of edible table salt (Na┬аCl).
Industrial production of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and chlorine gas via the chlor-alkali process.
Atomic number of Na=11 (Protons = 11, Electrons = 11). After losing 1 electron, Na+ has Protons = 11, Electrons = 10.
Option A is incorrect because chlorine gains an electron, not sodium.
Option B and Option D are incorrect because nuclear particles (protons and neutrons) are never transferred during chemical reactions.
C is correct тАФ Each sodium atom loses one electron to achieve a stable octet configuration, forming a positively charged Na+ ion.
Remember that chemical reactions involve ONLY valence electrons. Any option suggesting a change in the number of protons or neutrons can be immediately eliminated!
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