Animation Ionic Bond Formation in Sodium

Understanding Atomic Interactions

Sodium and Chlorine Interaction

• A sodium atom has 11 electrons: 2 in the first energy level, 8 in the second, and 1 in the third.

• A chlorine atom contains 17 electrons, with 7 electrons in its outermost energy level.

• When sodium and chlorine combine, sodium loses one electron while chlorine gains it, resulting in a stable configuration for both atoms.

• The chlorine ion becomes stable with eight electrons in its outer level and acquires a negative charge after gaining an electron.

• The sodium ion, having lost an electron from its third energy level, attains a positive charge.

Covalent Bonding

• Atoms can also bond by sharing electrons to form covalent bonds.

• Hydrogen gas exists as diatomic molecules where two hydrogen atoms share their electrons.

• In water formation, each hydrogen atom shares one electron with a single oxygen atom to create covalent bonds.