Question

The electronic configuration of sodium atom is 2, 8, 1 and chlorine atom is 2, 8, 7. The atoms will form a bond by of electrons.

• A. transferring
• B. ionic
• C. sharing
• D. covalent

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B)

ionic

The electronic configuration of sodium atom is 2, 8, 1, hence, it has 1 valence electron. Chlorine atom has 7 valence electrons and its electronic configuration is 2. 8, 7.

When sodium ($Na$) and chlorine ($Cl$) combine, the sodium atom loses an electron to form $N{a}^{+}$, and the chlorine atoms gain an electron to form $C{l}^{-}$.

These oppositely charged ions are held together by the electrostatic force of attraction called ionic bond.