Question

which statement about sodium chloride is correct? (1 point)
the sodium atom transfers electrons to the chlorine atoms to form ionic bonds
the sodium atom transfers electrons to the chlorine atoms to form covalent bonds
the sodium atom and the chlorine atoms share electrons to form covalent bonds
the sodium atom and the chlorine atoms share electrons to form ionic bonds

Explanation:

Sodium chloride (\(NaCl\)) is an ionic compound. In ionic bonding, one atom transfers electrons to another atom. Sodium (\(Na\)) has one valence electron and chlorine (\(Cl\)) has seven valence electrons. Sodium transfers its one valence electron to chlorine. This electron - transfer results in the formation of \(Na^{+}\) (sodium cation) and \(Cl^{-}\) (chloride anion), and the electrostatic attraction between these ions forms the ionic bond. Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between atoms (which is not the case for \(NaCl\) as it is ionic).

Answer:

The sodium atom transfers electrons to the chlorine atoms to form ionic bonds.