Multiple Choice
Determine the total number of valence electrons for the chlorate ion (ClO3-).
10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
Valence Electrons of Elements
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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
How do valence electrons determine the reaction between sodium and chlorine?
A
Sodium and chlorine both gain electrons, forming a metallic bond.
B
Sodium shares its valence electron with chlorine, forming a covalent bond.
C
Chlorine donates one valence electron to sodium, forming an ionic bond.
D
Sodium donates one valence electron to chlorine, forming an ionic bond.
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the number of valence electrons for each element: Sodium (Na) has 1 valence electron, and Chlorine (Cl) has 7 valence electrons.
Understand the octet rule: Atoms tend to gain, lose, or share electrons to achieve a full set of 8 valence electrons, which is a stable electron configuration.
Determine the tendency of each element: Sodium, with 1 valence electron, tends to lose that electron to achieve a stable electron configuration similar to the noble gas neon. Chlorine, with 7 valence electrons, tends to gain 1 electron to complete its octet, achieving a stable configuration similar to the noble gas argon.
Describe the electron transfer: Sodium donates its 1 valence electron to chlorine. This transfer allows sodium to become a positively charged ion (Na⁺) and chlorine to become a negatively charged ion (Cl⁻).
Explain the formation of the ionic bond: The electrostatic attraction between the positively charged sodium ion and the negatively charged chloride ion results in the formation of an ionic bond, creating the compound sodium chloride (NaCl).
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