Question

when electrons are transferred between atoms, an ionic bond forms. an ionic bond typically forms between a metal atom and a nonmetal atom because the electronegativity difference between the atoms is relatively large. valence electrons are transferred from the metal atom to the nonmetal atom. the metal atom becomes a positively charged cation, and the nonmetal atom becomes a negatively charged anion. the metal cation and nonmetal anion are held together by electrostatic attractive forces to form an ionic compound. the model shows how an ionic bond forms between sodium and chlorine. compare the sodium atom and chlorine atom to the ions they form in the ionic compound, nacl.

Explanation:

Step1: Determine sodium atom valence electrons

Sodium (Na) is in group 1, has 1 valence electron.

Step2: Determine chlorine atom valence electrons

Chlorine (Cl) is in group 17, has 7 valence electrons.

Step3: Determine sodium cation valence electrons

Sodium loses its 1 valence - electron to form a cation, so it has 0 valence electrons.

Step4: Determine chloride anion valence electrons

Chlorine gains 1 electron to form an anion, so it has 8 valence electrons.

Answer:

	Sodium atom	Chlorine atom	Sodium cation	Chloride anion