What happens when the compound nacl is formed?

a. sodium transfers an electron to chlorine.
b. sodium receives two electrons from chlorine.
c. sodium forms an ion with −1 charge and chlorine forms an ion with +1 charge.
d. sodium forms an ion with +2 charge and chlorine forms an ion with −2 charge.

A. Sodium transfers an electron to chlorine

General Formulas and Concepts:

Chemistry - Atomic Structure

Explanation:

NaCl, or more commonly known as table salt, is formed with Sodium Na and Chlorine Cl.

The oxidation for Na is Na⁺ ion (sodium wants to lose an e⁻ to stabilize its outermost shell) and the oxidation for Cl is Cl⁻ ion (chlorine wants to gain an e⁻ to stabilize its valence shell).

Na would transfer its electron to chlorine and form an ionic bond and compound. Na would now lose its electron and have a stable shell while Cl would now gain an electron and have a stable shell.

Therefore, our best answer choice is A.