Sodium (atomic #11) and chlorine (atomic #17) bind together to form sodium chloride (NaCl), also known as salt. The type of bond that forms between these two elements is an ionic bond. Choose the correct description for what is happening in each atom.

A. Both atoms are stable and therefore do not need to share electrons.

B. Sodium donates 1 electron, and chlorine accepts it.

C. Chlorine donates 1 electron, and sodium accepts it.

D. Sodium and chlorine share two valence electrons.

Question

Washington

Biology

20 October, 10:07

Sodium (atomic #11) and chlorine (atomic #17) bind together to form sodium chloride (NaCl), also known as salt. The type of bond that forms between these two elements is an ionic bond. Choose the correct description for what is happening in each atom.

A. Both atoms are stable and therefore do not need to share electrons.

B. Sodium donates 1 electron, and chlorine accepts it.

C. Chlorine donates 1 electron, and sodium accepts it.

D. Sodium and chlorine share two valence electrons.

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Answers (1)

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Reid Black · Answer 1

Sodium has one valence electron, and chlorine has seven valence electrons, making both atoms unstable. The two atoms aren't sharing two valence electrons, making option D wrong as well. Chlorine wouldn't donate 1 electron, as it is in need of 1 electron itself, making option C incorrect. Ultimately, option B is correct, as Sodium needs to get rid of one electron to be stable, and Chlorine needs one electron to reach a stable number of valence electrons.