salt 02 Explanation: How sodium chloride is formed by its elements

* Middle: Sodium atoms (11Na) have one electron (e-) more than the atoms  of the noble gas neon (10Ne), chlorine atoms (17Cl)  have 1 electron less than atoms of the noble gas argon (18Ar).
An electron transfer between Na and Cl atoms takes place: Na donates one electron, Cl accepts this electron, both atoms are transformed into ions with single charges:

Na  -  e- ---> Na+                              Cl   + e- ---> Cl-
These ions resemble noble gases in their electron number but not in heir reactivity. Due to their unlike charges they attract each other forming a crystal lattice:  Na+ + Cl- --release of heat and light---> NaCl(s)

The sodium chloride synthesis is a redox reaction  like the combustion of magnesium. Oxygen is replaced  by chlorine as oxidizing agent.


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