Question

covalent and ionic bonding quick check
which statement about sodium chloride is correct? (1 point)
the sodium atom transfers electrons to the chlorine atoms to form covalent bonds.
the sodium atom transfers electrons to the chlorine atoms to form ionic 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. Sodium (Na) has one valence - electron and chlorine (Cl) has seven valence - electrons. Sodium donates its valence electron to chlorine. This electron transfer results in the formation of a sodium cation (Na⁺) and a chloride anion (Cl⁻), which are held together by ionic bonds. Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons, which is not the case for NaCl.

Answer:

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