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Because atoms like to have a full outer shell - a sodium (1+) ion previously had 1 electron in it's outer shell, but it loses a (negatively charged) electron to gain a +1 charge.

Chlorine, however, usually has 7 electrons in it's outer shell, but it gains a (negatively charged) electron to gain a -1 charge.

Remember;

gaining electrons = negative ions

losing electrons=positive ions

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