Describe the structure and bonding of sodium chloride

Sodium chloride is a giant ionic lattice consisting of alternating, adjacent positively charged sodium ions and negatively charged chloride ions in a regular arrangement of rows and columns. The ions are held together in the lattice by strong ionic bonds between the oppositely charged sodium and chloride ions. These ionic bonds form when the less electronegative sodium atoms donate 1 electron to 1 chlorine atom, which is more electronegative. This way the sodium ion formed has a positive charge of +1, having lost 1 electron, and the chloride ion has a negative charge of -1, having gained 1 electron; both are now more stable with a full outer shell of 8 electrons.

OH
Answered by Olivia H. Chemistry tutor

37124 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Lithium and potassium are both in Group 1 of the periodic table. Explain why.


a) Give a balanced equation for the complete combustion of butane, b) Explain how this would change if there was insufficient oxygen present, and explain the problems this causes


What is the difference between an endothermic and exothermic reaction?


Write a balanced equation for the reaction of calcium hydroxide with nitric acid.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning