In sodium chloride (NaCl), the sodium (Na) atom loses an electron.

Here's the reasoning:

1. Sodium is an alkali metal and has one electron in its outermost shell (valence shell).
2. To achieve a full outer shell, sodium will lose that one electron, resulting in a positively charged ion (Na⁺).
3. Chlorine (Cl), on the other hand, has seven electrons in its outermost shell and requires one more electron to achieve a full outer shell. Therefore, it gains an electron and becomes a negatively charged ion (Cl⁻).

Hence, in the context of the question:

- Sodium is the atom that loses an electron.

### Final Answer
**Sodium**.

Question

In sodium chloride (NaCl), the sodium (Na) atom loses an electron.

Here's the reasoning:

1. Sodium is an alkali metal and has one electron in its outermost shell (valence shell).
2. To achieve a full outer shell, sodium will lose that one electron, resulting in a positively charged ion (Na⁺).
3. Chlorine (Cl), on the other hand, has seven electrons in its outermost shell and requires one more electron to achieve a full outer shell. Therefore, it gains an electron and becomes a negatively charged ion (Cl⁻).

Hence, in the context of the question:

- Sodium is the atom that loses an electron.

### Final Answer
**Sodium**.

Knowee AI · Accepted Answer

In sodium chloride (NaCl), the sodium (Na) atom loses an electron.

Here's the reasoning:

1. Sodium is an alkali metal and has one electron in its outermost shell (valence shell).
2. To achieve a full outer shell, sodium will lose that one electron, resulting in a positively charged ion (Na⁺).
3. Chlorine (Cl), on the other hand, has seven electrons in its outermost shell and requires one more electron to achieve a full outer shell. Therefore, it gains an electron and becomes a negatively charged ion (Cl⁻).

Hence, in the context of the question:

- Sodium is the atom that loses an electron.

### Final Answer
**Sodium**.

In sodium chloride, which atom loses an electron?Multiple choice question.neitherchloridesodiumsalt

Question

In sodium chloride, which atom loses an electron?

Solution

Final Answer

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