Photo AI
The diagram shows sodium ions (+) and chloride ions (-) in part of a crystal of table salt, sodium chloride - Junior Cycle Science - Question b - 2009
Question b
The diagram shows sodium ions (+) and chloride ions (-) in part of a crystal of table salt, sodium chloride. (i) How are sodium ions and chloride ions formed from t... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The diagram shows sodium ions (+) and chloride ions (-) in part of a crystal of table salt, sodium chloride - Junior Cycle Science - Question b - 2009
Step 1
How are sodium ions and chloride ions formed from their atoms?
Answer
Sodium ions are formed when a sodium atom loses one electron, resulting in a positive charge due to the loss of negatively charged electrons. Conversely, chloride ions are formed when a chlorine atom gains one electron, which gives it a negative charge. Therefore, the key processes involved can be summarized as:
- Sodium Ion Formation: A sodium atom loses one electron.
- Chloride Ion Formation: A chlorine atom gains one electron.
In ionic bonding, this transfer of electrons creates ions with opposite charges, which later interact to form sodium chloride.
Step 2
What force holds the ions together in sodium chloride?
Answer
The force that holds the ions together in sodium chloride is the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions. This attraction, caused by the positive charge of sodium ions and the negative charge of chloride ions, results in a strong ionic bond that forms the crystal lattice structure of sodium chloride.
Step 3