How is sodium chloride formed in terms of electron transfer?

Sodium chloride, commonly known as table salt, is formed through an ionic bond between sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl) atoms via the transfer of electrons. In this process, an atom of sodium loses one electron. This loss of an electron allows sodium to achieve a stable electron configuration, resembling that of the nearest noble gas, neon.

On the other hand, chlorine, which requires one additional electron to complete its outer electron shell and achieve stability similar to the noble gas argon, gains that electron lost by sodium. This transfer of electrons leads to the formation of a positively charged sodium ion (Na⁺) and a negatively charged chloride ion (Cl⁻). The electrostatic attraction between these oppositely charged ions results in the formation of ionic bonds, leading to the creation of sodium chloride.

Understanding this transfer is crucial as it illustrates how elements interact to achieve more stable electron configurations, a fundamental concept in chemistry.