Question

In the reaction between bromine and sodium, a bromine atom gains an electron. What ion is formed? Is the bromine oxidized, or is it reduced?

Answer 1

Ion formed for bromine = Br-

And it's reduced in that case as it gained an electron

Answer 2

Answer: The ion formed after the reduction of bromine is $Br^-$

Explanation:

The electronic configuration of Sodium (Na) = $[Ne]3s^1$

The electronic configuration of Bromine (Br) = $[Ar]3d^{10}4s^24p^5$

From the above configurations, Sodium ion will loose 1 electron in order to gain stable electronic configuration and that electron is accepted by the Bromine atom because it is 1 electron short of the stable electronic configuration.

$Na\rightarrow Na^++e^-$   (oxidation reaction)

$Br+e^-\rightarrow Br^-$   (Reduction reaction)

Bromine atom is reduced to form $Br^-$

Reduction reactions are the reactions in which the element gain electrons.

Oxidation reactions are the reactions in which the element looses its electrons.