How do I know the formula for salts formed in a reaction?

Example: NaCl. Every element in group 1, including sodium, has one electron in its outer shell and it wants to lose this one electron to have only full shells. Everything in group 7, including chlorine, has 7 electrons in its outer shell and wants to accept one electron to have a full outer shell of 8, so sodium will donate its one electron to the chlorine, and both are now happy- you only need one sodium and one chlorine atom to make both atoms happy with full shells, so your formula is NaCl.

Answered by Lauren T. Chemistry tutor

1436 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What's the difference between an ionic bond and a covalent bond?


In what circumstances can an ionic compound conduct electricity? How?


Describe what is meant by a saturated hydrocarbon. (2)


What is the difference between ionic and covalent bonding?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences