Explain the formation of sodium chloride (NaCl).

1.	Explain the formation of sodium chloride (NaCl).
Answer» Solution :The compounds formed by the transfer of electrons from a metal to a non-metal are known as ionic compounds or electrovalent compounds. Atomic number of sodium is 11. Sodium atom has one electron in its outermost SHELL (M-shell). Sodium atom loses the electron from its M-shell and forms sodium cation `(Na^+)`and acquires stable complete octet structure of noble GAS neon (NE). `underset(2,8,1)(Na) to underset(2,8)(Na^+) + e^-` Similarly, atomic number of chlorine is 17. Chlorine atom has seven electrons in its outermost shell (M-shell). Chlorine atom gains one e which is lost by sodium atom and forms chloride anion `(Cl^-)`and acquires stable complete octet structure of noble gas argon (Ar). `underset(2,8,7)(Cl)+ e^(-) to underset(2,8,8)(Cl^-)` Sodium cation `(Na^+) `and chloride anion `(Cl^-)`being oppositely charged attract each other and are held by strong electrostatic forces of attraction and exists as sodium chloride (NaCl). Sodium chloride exists as a group of oppositely charged IONS.

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