What happens when sodium undergoes a chemical reaction with chlorine?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the chemical reaction that occurs between sodium and chlorine. In this reaction, sodium reacts with chlorine gas to form sodium chloride, commonly known as table salt. This is an exothermic reaction where sodium loses an electron (oxidation) and chlorine gains an electron (reduction), resulting in the formation of ionic bonds.
Answer
Sodium chloride (NaCl)
The final answer is sodium chloride (NaCl).
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is sodium chloride (NaCl).
More Information
Sodium chloride is commonly known as table salt. The reaction between sodium and chlorine is highly exothermic, meaning it releases a lot of energy in the form of light and heat.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing this ionic reaction with a covalent bond. Remember that in ionic bonds, electrons are transferred between atoms, not shared.
Sources
- The Reaction of Sodium with Chlorine - chem.libretexts.org
- Describe what happens to sodium and chlorine in a reaction to... - mytutor.co.uk
- 5.3: The Reaction of Sodium with Chlorine - chem.libretexts.org
