In sodium chloride, which atom loses an electron?

A. chloride

B. Sodium

C. neither

Option B. Sodium

Explanation:

In the formation of NaCl, sodium loses and electron while chlorine receives the electron as illustrated below:

Na —> Na+ + e- (1)

Cl + e- —> Cl- (2)

Now, combining equation 1 and 2 we have:

Na + Cl + e- —> Na+ + Cl- + e-

Cancelling the electron from both side, we obtained:

Na + Cl —> Na+Cl-

From the above illustration, we see clearly that sodium loses electron