What describes the formation of sodium chloride in terms of electrons?

The formation of sodium chloride involves the interaction between sodium and chlorine atoms, specifically through the transfer of electrons. Sodium has one electron in its outer shell, making it eager to lose that electron to achieve a stable electron configuration, similar to that of noble gases. When sodium loses this electron, it becomes a positively charged ion (Na⁺).

Chlorine, on the other hand, has seven electrons in its outer shell and needs one more electron to complete its octet, achieving stability. When chlorine gains an electron, it becomes a negatively charged ion (Cl⁻).

This electron transfer results in the formation of sodium chloride, as the positively charged sodium ion and the negatively charged chloride ion are attracted to each other, forming an ionic bond.

This understanding of electron transfer highlights that a sodium atom indeed loses one electron while a chlorine atom gains one electron, leading to the formation of sodium chloride.