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.

The correct option is D.

Explanation: Table salt has a chemical formula NaCl.

This compound is an ionic compound.

Ionic compound is defined as the compound formed when there is a complete transfer of electron from one element to another.

NaCl consists of two elements, Sodium (Na) and Chlorine (Cl)

Sodium has an atomic number of 11 and its electronic configuration is . This element has 1 extra electron, so in order to have stable electronic configuration, this element will release 1 electron and forms a cation.

Chlorine has an atomic number of 17 and its electronic configuration is . Chlorine element requires 1 electron to have stable electronic configuration. Hence, this element will accept 1 electron and will form an anion.

When these two element combine together, Sodium will give away 1 electron to chlorine and therefore, chlorine becomes anion.

Hence, the correct option is C.