Question

Show the formation of NaCl from sodium and chlorine atoms by the transfer of electron(s).

Answer 1

The atomic number of sodium is 11, so its electronic configuration is 2, 8, 1. A sodium atom has only 1 electron in its outermost shell. So, the sodium atom donates 1 electron (to a chlorine atom) and forms a sodium ion, Na⁺.

Chlorine has an atomic number of 17, resulting in an electronic configuration of 2, 8, 7. The chlorine atom possesses 7 electrons in its valence shell and requires 1 more electron to attain the stable octet configuration characteristic of inert gases. A chlorine atom gains one electron from a sodium atom, forming a negatively charged chloride ion, Cl⁻.

During the reaction between sodium and chlorine, sodium donates its single valence electron to chlorine. By relinquishing one electron, a sodium atom generates a sodium ion (Na⁺), while by acquiring one electron, a chlorine atom produces a chloride ion (Cl⁻).