Question

covalent and ionic bonding quick check
2 of 5
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 and the chlorine atoms share electrons 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.

Explanation:

Ionic bonds form when one atom transfers electrons to another. Sodium (Na) has one valence electron and chlorine (Cl) has seven. Sodium donates its electron to chlorine. This electron - transfer creates \(Na^{+}\) (sodium ion) and \(Cl^{-}\) (chloride ion). Oppositely - charged ions attract each other, forming ionic bonds in sodium chloride (\(NaCl\)). Covalent bonds involve sharing electrons (not the case here). And sharing electrons doesn't form ionic bonds (eliminating other options).

Answer:

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