Question

Na+ is a(n) _____, and Cl- is a(n) _____ ? Is it cation; anion or anion; cation???

Answer 1

Answer: cation and anion

Explanation:

A neutrally electric atom contains equal number of protons and electrons. 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:

$[Na]:11:1s^22s^22p^63s^1$

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

$[Na^+]:10:1s^22s^22p^63s^0$

Electronic configuration of chlorine:

$[Cl]:17:1s^22s^22p^63s^23p^5$

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

$[Cl^-]:18:1s^22s^22p^63s^23p^6$

Answer 2

Na(+) - cation
Cl(-) - anion