The diagram below shows the atoms involved in forming table salt. which statement best describes what happens next ? a) sodium becomes an anion by losing an election to chlorine. b) chlorine become a cation by losing an electron to sodium. c) sodium becomes a cation by gaining an electron from chlorine d) chlorine becomes an anion by gaining an electron from sodium.

An ionic compound is composed of ionic bonds that are formed by transfer of electrons from one atom to the other. The atom that loses electrons acquires a positive charge (cation) while that which gains electrons acquires a negative charge.

In the case of sodium chloride; Sodium Na has 1 electron in its outer orbital while Chlorine Cl has 7 electrons. Thus, Cl requires 1 electron to complete its octet. This electron is donated by Na.

Thus, NaCl is essentially, Na⁺Cl⁻

Ans D) Chlorine becomes an anion by gaining an electron from sodium

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explanation: