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Use dot and cross diagrams to describe the formation of ionic bonds between group 1 and group seven
Accepted Answer
Group 1 elements (alkali metals) have one valence electron, while group 7 elements (halogens) have seven valence electrons. When an alkali metal atom reacts with a halogen atom, the alkali metal atom
loses
its valence electron to become a positively charged ion (cation). The halogen atom
gains
this electron to become a negatively charged ion (anion). Here's how to represent this using dot and cross diagrams:
Example: Formation of Sodium Chloride (NaCl)
Sodium (Na): 1 valence electron (represented by a dot)
Chlorine (Cl): 7 valence electrons (represented by crosses)
Na (•) + Cl (X X X X X X X) → Na(+) + Cl(-)
The dot from Na is transferred to Cl, resulting in:
Na (+) + Cl (X X X X X X X •) → NaCl
The opposite charges attract, forming an ionic bond between the sodium and chlorine ions, creating the compound sodium chloride (NaCl).
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