Sodium is a highly reactive metal and chlorine is a toxic gas, but when they come together the resulting material, sodium chloride, is essential for life. Which of the following is true when sodium and chlorine are brought into contact with one another?
A) They form a heterogeneous mixture.
B) They form a homogenous mixture.
C) They neutralize each other.
D) They form a compound.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When sodium and chlorine are brought into contact with each other, they form a compound called sodium chloride (NaCl) through a chemical reaction. This is because sodium has one electron in its outer shell and chlorine has seven electrons in its outer shell. Sodium wants to lose one electron to become stable and chlorine wants to gain one electron to become stable. When they combine, sodium loses its electron and chlorine gains it, forming an ionic bond and creating a compound, NaCl, which is essential for life. Therefore, choice D is the correct answer.

Sodium Is a Highly Reactive Metal and Chlorine Is a Toxic