Question

What happens when sodium metal reacts with chlorine? Does it turn into NaCl imeddieatly?

Answer 1

Dear Student,

Sodium metal has electronic configuration = 2 8 1

After losing its one electron it gains stable noble gas configuration and become Na⁺ ion.

Chlorine has electronic configuration = 2 8 7

After gain of one electron it can achieve stable noble gas configuration and becomes Cl^- ion.

Chlorine gain that electron from the sodium atom.

These Na⁺ and Cl^- ions held together by the electrostatic force of attraction and forms ionic bond.

Na⁺ + Cl^- ----------> NaCl