An ionic bond forms between sodium and chlorine primarily because sodium atoms donate electrons and chlorine atoms gain electrons. Here's a brief explanation of the process:
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Sodium (Na) has one electron in its outermost shell (the third energy level, 3s¹). To achieve a stable electron configuration (similar to that of noble gases), sodium tends to lose this one electron, resulting in a positively charged ion (Na⁺).
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Chlorine (Cl), on the other hand, has seven electrons in its outermost shell (the third energy level, 3s²3p⁵). To achieve a stable electron configuration, chlorine needs one more electron. When it gains an electron from sodium, it becomes a negatively charged ion (Cl⁻).
As a result, the electrostatic attraction between the positively charged sodium ions (Na⁺) and the negatively charged chloride ions (Cl⁻) leads to the formation of an ionic bond. Thus, the correct answers from the options provided are:
- Sodium atoms donate electrons.
- Chlorine atoms gain electrons (though this option is not explicitly given).
So, in summary, the main contributing factor is that sodium donates electrons to chlorine, facilitating the formation of an ionic bond.