What is the bonding process for Na-CI?

Answer 1

It is IONIC bond.

The sodium atom (Na) ionises (loses) one electron, to infinity, to be come the sodium cation (Na^(+)).

Na(s) = Na^(+)(g) + e^(-)

This electron, from infinity, by electron affinity combines into a chlorine atom to form the chloride anion. (Cl^(-)).

Cl(g) + e^(-) = Cl^(-)(g) .

Because these two ions have an equal charge of '1' , and opposite charge of (+/-), they are attracted to each other, like the N & S poles of a magnet. This attraction is called Electrostatic Attraction. Hence forming the ionic molecule sodium chloride.

Na^(+) + Cl^(-) = NaCl(s)

A balanced chemical reaction eq'n is

2Na(s) + Cl2(g) = 2NaCl(s) .

This is because chlorine exists as a diatomic molecule, NOT as single atoms.

NB The movement of electrons is described as moving to & from inifinty, not directly from one to the other.

Answer 2

Sodium (Na) and chloride (Cl) bond via ionic bonding. Na donates an electron to Cl, forming Na+ and Cl- ions. The opposite charges on the ions attract each other, resulting in a strong electrostatic force that holds the ions together in a crystal lattice structure.