Question

Na+ is a(n) _____, and Cl- is a(n) _____ .

Answer 1

Answer: $Na^+$ is a cation and $Cl^-$ is an anion.

Explanation:

For formation of a neutral ionic compound, the charges on cation and anion must be balanced. The cation is formed by loss of electrons by metals and anions are formed by gain of electrons by non metals.  

Electronic configuration of sodium:

$[Na]=1s^22s^22p^63s^1$

Sodium atom will loose one electron to gain noble gas configuration and form sodium cation with +1 charge.

$[Na^+]=1s^22s^22p^63s^0$

Electronic configuration of chlorine:

$[Cl]=1s^22s^22p^63s^23p^5$

Chlorine atom will gain one electron to gain noble gas configuration and form chloride anion with -1 charge.

$[Cl^-]=1s^22s^22p^63s^23p^6$

Answer 2

The answer is Cation;anion