Question

according to the rule of 8, what happens to sodium and chlorine atoms when they bond to form nacl?
both sodium and chlorine lose electrons
sodium loses an electron, chlorine gains one
sodium gains an electron, chlorine loses one
both sodium and chlorine gain electrons

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze sodium's electron configuration

Sodium (Na) has an electron configuration of \(1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^{6}3s^{1}\). It has 1 electron in its outer - shell. To achieve a stable octet (rule of 8), it is easier for sodium to lose 1 electron.

Step2: Analyze chlorine's electron configuration

Chlorine (Cl) has an electron configuration of \(1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^{6}3s^{2}3p^{5}\). It has 7 electrons in its outer - shell. To achieve a stable octet (rule of 8), it is easier for chlorine to gain 1 electron.

Answer:

Sodium loses an electron, chlorine gains one.