Question

sodium and chlorine react to form an ionic compound. what is the correct formula of the compound formed? na+cl- nacl7 nacl clna

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze sodium and chlorine ions

Sodium (\(Na\)) loses one electron to form \(Na^+\) ion. Chlorine (\(Cl\)) gains one electron to form \(Cl^-\) ion.

Step2: Determine the formula of the ionic compound

In an ionic compound, the charges of ions balance out. One \(Na^+\) and one \(Cl^-\) combine. The formula is \(NaCl\) as per the rules of writing ionic compound formulas (cation first, anion second). \(Na^+Cl^-\) is just showing ions, not the compound formula. \(NaCl_7\) has incorrect sub - script (no reason for 7 chlorine atoms). \(ClNa\) has the wrong order (cation should come before anion in formula).

Answer:

\(NaCl\) (the third option)