Question

when table salt (nacl) is produced, which of the following best describes the actions of the sodium (na) and chlorine (cl) atoms?
o sodium atoms replace chlorine atoms.
o sodium and chlorine atoms mix together.
o sodium atoms dissolve in chlorine atoms.
o sodium and chlorine atoms bond chemically.

Explanation:

When table salt (NaCl) is produced, it is a chemical reaction. Sodium (Na) donates an electron to chlorine (Cl). This electron - transfer results in the formation of an ionic bond between the sodium cation (\(Na^{+}\)) and the chloride anion (\(Cl^{-}\)).

• Sodium atoms do not replace chlorine atoms. Replacement reactions involve different reactants and products in a more complex exchange (not just forming NaCl).
• Mixing (a physical process) does not explain the formation of a new compound (NaCl). Mixing would imply no chemical change, just a physical combination.
• Dissolving is a physical process where a solute (e.g., salt in water) spreads out in a solvent. Here, we are talking about the formation of NaCl from its constituent atoms, which is a chemical bonding process.

So, the correct description is that sodium and chlorine atoms bond chemically.

Answer:

Sodium and chlorine atoms bond chemically.