Question

critical thinking questions

1. consider the formula nacl in the above example. it tells us that one na⁺ ion is bonded to one cl⁻ ion. what is the overall charge for nacl? is it positive, negative, or neutral?

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze ion charges

The sodium ion (\(Na^+\)) has a charge of \(+1\) (since it loses one electron to form a cation), and the chloride ion (\(Cl^-\)) has a charge of \(-1\) (since it gains one electron to form an anion).

Step2: Calculate overall charge

To find the overall charge of \(NaCl\), we add the charges of the individual ions. So, the charge of \(Na^+\) (\(+1\)) plus the charge of \(Cl^-\) (\(-1\)) is \(+1 + (-1) = 0\). A charge of \(0\) means the compound is neutral.

Answer:

The overall charge of \(NaCl\) is \(0\), and it is neutral.