What type of chemical bond is present in NaCl?

Prepare for the MTSA Advanced Physiology For Nursing Test. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

Sodium chloride (NaCl) is formed through the mechanism of ionic bonding. This bond arises when an atom of sodium (Na), which has a tendency to lose an electron and become positively charged (Na+), interacts with an atom of chlorine (Cl), which tends to gain an electron to achieve a full valence shell and becomes negatively charged (Cl-). The electrostatic attraction between these oppositely charged ions creates a stable ionic bond.

Ionic bonds typically form between metals and non-metals. In the case of NaCl, sodium, a metal, readily donates an electron, while chlorine, a non-metal, accepts this electron. This transfer of electrons leads to a strong attraction between the resultant charged particles, resulting in a compound that exhibits distinct physical properties such as high melting and boiling points and electrical conductivity when dissolved in water.

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