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They are called ions because they have an electric charge. The sodium gives up its (valence) electron so it gains a positive electrical charge. The chlorine gains this extra electron so it gains a negative electrical charge.

IONS always refer to particles WITH AN ELECTRICAL CHARGE.

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Why is not proper to speak of sodium chloride molecule?

Sodium chloride is ionically bonded and consists of alternating positive and negative ions. Each ion experiences substantial attraction to at least two ions of the opposite charge, so that there is no coherent unit smaller than the entire mass of solid sodium chloride in a particle that is capable of independent existence, as is required for a molecule.


Why the term molecule is appropriate for hydrogen chloride but not for sodium chloride?

Hydrogen and chlorine are both nonmetals, and nonmetals form molecular compounds when bonded together. Sodium is a metal and chlorine is a nonmetal, and a metal and a nonmetal form an ionic compound.


Is copper chloride a mixture?

No, copper chloride is a compound composed of copper and chlorine elements. It is not a mixture of different substances but rather a specific chemical compound with a fixed composition.


What color flame test does sodium chloride give?

Sodium chloride does not impart a distinct color to a flame test. When sodium chloride is subjected to a flame test, it typically results in a bright yellow flame due to the presence of sodium ions, rather than the chloride ions.


An unknown compound dissolves in water but the solution does not conduct electricity?

If a compound dissolves into water and allows for the conductance of electrical current its said to be ionic and an electrolyte. Sodium chloride (NaCl) or table salt exhibits this property. Sugar is a compound that will dissolve in water but not conduct current. Sugar is not an electrolyte or ionic; rather a covalent molecule.

Related Questions

What contains one sodium and one chloride atom?

A "molecule" of sodium chloride, common salt. (Because this is an ionically bonded compound, its molecule is a formal concept only, rather than a unit that can be isolated.).


Is pottasium chloride a non polar molecule?

Potassium chloride is an ionic compound, not a molecule. Ionic compounds like potassium chloride consist of ions held together by electrostatic forces, rather than individual molecules with covalent bonds.


Is 4NaCl an molecule or equation?

Since there is no product, and only 1 reactant, it is not an equation, and thus, 4 molecules of sodium chloride


Is hydrochloic acid a molecule?

Pure hydrogen chloride is molecular. But Hydrochloric acid is hydrogen chloride dissolved in molecules. In this state it exists as ions rather than molecules.


Why is not proper to speak of sodium chloride molecule?

Sodium chloride is ionically bonded and consists of alternating positive and negative ions. Each ion experiences substantial attraction to at least two ions of the opposite charge, so that there is no coherent unit smaller than the entire mass of solid sodium chloride in a particle that is capable of independent existence, as is required for a molecule.


Why is NaCl not a molecule?

Because sodium chloride form giant lattices without a limit between molecules.


Why the term molecule is appropriate for hydrogen chloride but not for sodium chloride?

Hydrogen and chlorine are both nonmetals, and nonmetals form molecular compounds when bonded together. Sodium is a metal and chlorine is a nonmetal, and a metal and a nonmetal form an ionic compound.


Why would it be inaccurate to speak of an NaCl molecule?

It would be inaccurate to speak of an NaCl molecule because NaCl is an ionic compound, not a molecule. NaCl is formed from an ionic bond between sodium ions (Na+) and chloride ions (Cl-), not from the sharing of electrons between atoms like in a covalent molecule.


Does CuCl2 exist as a molecule?

CuCl2 exists as a compound composed of copper and chloride ions, rather than as discrete molecules of CuCl2. In a solid state, it forms a crystal lattice structure where Cu2+ ions are surrounded by chloride ions. When dissolved in water, it dissociates into Cu2+ and Cl- ions.


What do you observe when the mouth of the bottle of hydrochloric acid and a bottle of ammonia are brought together?

You might see the smokey 'fume' of ammonium chloride solid particles formed by reaction of escaping ammonia and hydrogen chloride gas, at best seen when solutions are rather concentrated.NH3(g) + HCl(g) --> NH4Cl(s)


How many nanometers across is the molecule of paper and what is this molecule made of?

there is no "paper" molecule... rather a combination of starches and protein links e.t.c.


Why is a suspension cloudy?

Egg white suspension is made up of a long molecule made up out of amino acids this why but don't ask how I have no clue :)