Question

when nacl (table salt) forms, sodium (na) loses energy by ____ and chlorine (cl) gains energy by ____. giving up an electron in oxidation; gaining an electron in reduction going with its concentration gradient; going against its concentration gradient going against its concentration gradient; going with its concentration gradient gaining an electron in oxidation; by giving up an electron in reduction gaining an electron in reduction; giving up an electron in oxidation

Explanation:

To solve this, we recall redox reactions: Oxidation is loss of electrons, reduction is gain of electrons. Sodium (Na) has 1 valence electron; to form NaCl, Na loses an electron (oxidation) to become \(Na^+\). Chlorine (Cl) has 7 valence electrons; it gains an electron (reduction) to become \(Cl^-\). Concentration gradients relate to diffusion/active transport, not ion formation here. So the correct option is the first one.

Answer:

A. giving up an electron in oxidation; gaining an electron in reduction