Describe the structure and bonding of sodium chloride

Sodium chloride is a giant ionic lattice consisting of alternating, adjacent positively charged sodium ions and negatively charged chloride ions in a regular arrangement of rows and columns. The ions are held together in the lattice by strong ionic bonds between the oppositely charged sodium and chloride ions. These ionic bonds form when the less electronegative sodium atoms donate 1 electron to 1 chlorine atom, which is more electronegative. This way the sodium ion formed has a positive charge of +1, having lost 1 electron, and the chloride ion has a negative charge of -1, having gained 1 electron; both are now more stable with a full outer shell of 8 electrons.

OH
Answered by Olivia H. Chemistry tutor

35489 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How does an increase in temperature affect the rate of a chemical reaction?


what is a catalyst


Ethane-1,2-diol can be dissolved in water to act as an anti-freeze in car radiators. Explain why ethane-1,2-diol is very soluble in water. (2)


What does the periodic table show you?


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