Name and describe the type of bond in sodium chloride

Sodium chloride contains ionic bonds between sodium and chloride ions.Sodium has one electron in its outer shell, whereas chlorine has 7. Atoms are happiest when they have a full outer shell of electrons. Sodium can do this by giving up its electron in the outer shell, leaving the shell before it which is full. This electron is transferred to chlorine, giving it 8 electrons in its outer shell, meaning it is full.Due to the different numbers of electrons and protons in the sodium and chlorine, sodium has a +1 charge, and chlorine has a -1 charge and is now called chloride. These opposite charges attract and there is an electrostatic force of attraction between them, which is the ionic bond.

EH
Answered by Emily H. Chemistry tutor

17572 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Why is chlorine more reactive than iodine?


Describe what happens to sodium and chlorine in a reaction to make Sodium cholride, you may use diagrams to help you.


Why can sodium chloride conduct electricity in the molten state but no in the solid state?


A batch of Titanium(iv) Chloride is electrolysed in a chemical plant. (a) State the type of bonding in Titanium(iv) Chloride and why it has to be molten in order to undergo electrolysis. (b) Explain why a DC current has to be be used for electrolysis.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning