Question

In the compound sodium chloride:

• A. $N{a}^{+}$ is a cation and $C{l}^{-}$ is an anion.
• B. $N{a}^{+}2$ is a cation and $C{l}^{-}2$ is an anion.
• C. $N{a}^{+}$ is an anion and $C{l}^{-}$ is a cation.
• D. NaCl is not ionic but a covalent compound.

Answer 1

The correct option is A $N{a}^{+}$ is a cation and $C{l}^{-}$ is an anion.

An ion with a positive charge is called a cation and an ion with a negative charge is called an anion.

Sodium chloride (NaCl) is an ionic compound. Sodium atom loses an electron to a chlorine atom and becomes a positively charged sodium ion ($N{a}^{+}$). Chlorine atom gains an electron from sodium atom and becomes a negatively chloride ion ($C{l}^{-}$).