Which statement best describes what happens next?

Option (d) is the correct answer.

Explanation:

An atom that gain electrons will acquire a negative charge resulting in the formation of an anion. An atom that loses electrons will acquire a positive charge resulting in the formation of a cation.

Sodium is a metal and its atomic number is 11 with electronic distribution 2, 8, 1. Whereas chlorine is a non-metal whose atomic number is 17 and its electronic distribution is 2, 8, 7.

Hence, in order to become stable sodium will lose one electron and it will acquire a positive charge. On the other hand, chlorine will gain one electron and thus, acquire a negative charge.

Hence, we can conclude that chlorine becomes an anion by gaining an electron from sodium.

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