Question

Explain by drawing a geometric diagram, how a sodium atom forms a sodium ion

Answer 1

Understanding the concept:

• Sodium is an element with the atomic number 16, belonging to group 16 and period 3.
• Its represented by the symbol S.

The explanation of sodium atom and its ion:

• The electrons are sub atoms of an atom that participates in bond formation, these are present in fixed shells.
• There are 11 protons in the nucleus. The nucleus is surrounded by 11 electrons with a single, highly unstable electron in the outer shell (ring).
• This electron participates in the bond formation of a chemical bond by losing it, resulting in the formation of an ion(cation).
• Example: The outer shell of a sodium atom has one electron.
• The outer shell of a chlorine atom has seven electrons.
• A chlorine atom steals an electron from a sodium atom.
• The sodium atom becomes a sodium ion, which is a positive ion.
• The combination of sodium and chloride ions results in the formation of the ionic compound sodium chloride.