Question

What happens when a sodium atom and a chlorine atom exchange an electron?

Answer 1

A redox reaction that results in salt formation.

Explanation:

`"Oxidation:"`

`Na(g) rarr Na^+ + e^-`

`"Reduction:"`

`1/2Cl_2(g) + e^(-) rarr Cl^-`

Add these equations together:

`Na(g) + 1/2Cl_2(g) rarr Na^(+) Cl^(-)(s)`