Question

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 ionic bonds
the sodium atom and the chlorine atoms share electrons to form covalent bonds

Explanation:

Sodium is a metal and chlorine is a non - metal. In sodium chloride (NaCl), sodium donates an electron to chlorine. This electron transfer results in the formation of sodium cation ($Na^+$) and chloride anion ($Cl^-$), which are held together by ionic bonds. Covalent bonds involve sharing of electrons between non - metals.

Answer:

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