Question

lets look at how an ionic bond between sodium and chlorine is made. in this reaction, an electron is transferred from sodium to chlorine. which of the following is true for this reaction? a sodium becomes an anion and chlorine becomes a cation. b sodium becomes a cation and chlorine becomes an anion. c sodium and chlorine become anions. d sodium and chlorine become cations.

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze the ionic bond formation between sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl). Sodium has one valence electron, which it loses to achieve a stable electron configuration. When an atom loses an electron, it becomes a positively charged ion (cation), so Na becomes \( \text{Na}^+ \) (a cation). Chlorine has seven valence electrons and gains one electron (from Na) to achieve stability. When an atom gains an electron, it becomes a negatively charged ion (anion), so Cl becomes \( \text{Cl}^- \) (an anion).

• Option A is incorrect because Na becomes a cation (not an anion) and Cl becomes an anion (not a cation).
• Option B correctly states that Na becomes a cation and Cl becomes an anion.
• Option C is incorrect because Na becomes a cation, not an anion, and Cl becomes an anion (they can't both be anions).
• Option D is incorrect because Cl becomes an anion, not a cation, and Na becomes a cation (they can't both be cations).

Answer:

B. Sodium becomes a cation and chlorine becomes an anion.