QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
Why do sodium and chloride combine as NaCl and not Na₂Cl or NaCl₂?
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Answer
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Step 1I'll solve this problem step by step, explaining the chemical bonding principles:
Step 2: Understand Electron Configuration
- Sodium (Na) has the electron configuration $$1s^{2} 2s^{2} 2p^{6} 3s^{1}
- Chlorine (Cl) has the electron configuration 1s^{2} 2s^{2} 2p^{6} 3s^{2} 3p^{5}
Final Answer
Sodium and chloride combine as NaCl because this represents the most stable electron configuration, with a perfect 1:1 charge balance and complete electron shells for both ions.
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