Problem 4 - Chemistry A Guided Inquiry

Question

In \(\mathrm{NaCl}\), what are the charges on the ions? Explain your reasoning.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The ions present in sodium chloride are \(\mathrm{Na^{+}}\) and \(\mathrm{Cl^{-}}\). Sodium loses one electron and therefore carries a charge of +1, while chlorine gains one electron and therefore carries a charge of -1.

Step 1: Identify the atoms involved

From the compound \(\mathrm{NaCl}\), we can see that the ions involved are \(\mathrm{Na}\) (sodium) and \(\mathrm{Cl}\) (chlorine).

Step 2: Determine the charge of the sodium ion

Sodium (Na) is in the first group of the periodic table, which means it has one electron in its outer shell. To reach a stable electron configuration, Sodium atom loses this one electron. Therefore, it forms an ion with a charge of +1, denoted as \(\mathrm{Na^{+}}\).

Step 3: Determine the charge of the chloride ion

Chlorine (Cl) is in the 17th group of the periodic table, which means it has seven electrons in its outer shell. To reach a full outer shell, chlorine gains one electron, forming a negatively charged ion. Hence, Chlorine forms an ion with a charge of -1, denoted as \(\mathrm{Cl^{-}}\).

Step 4: Explanation of charges

Atoms strive to achieve stability, and they do so by having a complete or full valence shell in their electronic configuration. Therefore, atoms in the periodic table will gain, lose or share electrons with other atoms to achieve this stable state, hence forming ions. Sodium loses an electron to become stable while chlorine gains an electron to have a full valence shell.