Sodium and chlorine form an ionic compound. Describe what happens when 1 atom of sodium reacts with 1 atom of chlorine.m

When sodium reacts with chlorine, the sodium atom transfers 1 electron to the chlorine atom, in order to achieve a stable electron configuration resembling a noble gas. The sodium (Na) atom becomes a sodium Na+ ion, and the chlorine (Cl) atom becomes a chloride Cl- ion. Strong electrostatic forces of attraction between the two ions cause them to form the ionic compound sodium chloride (NaCl).(In this question, dot-cross diagrams could be used to better demonstrate the candidates understanding of the electron transfer)

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Answered by Patrick C. Chemistry tutor

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