To understand the relationship between the substances in the given chemical equation:
[tex]\[
Na^+ + Cl^- \rightarrow NaCl
\][/tex]
we need to analyze the stoichiometry of the reaction. Let us consider the key aspects step by step:
1. Equation Analysis:
The equation shows a combination of sodium ions (Na^+) and chloride ions (Cl^-) to form a single unit of sodium chloride (NaCl), which is commonly known as table salt.
2. Balanced Chemical Equation:
The given equation is already balanced. This means that the number of each type of ion on the left side (reactants) is equal to the number of atoms of each element on the right side (products).
3. Stoichiometry Interpretation:
- For every one sodium ion (Na^+), there is one chloride ion (Cl^-) needed.
- When one sodium ion reacts with one chloride ion, they form one formula unit of sodium chloride (NaCl).
4. Understanding the Statements:
Let's review each of the provided statements to determine which one best describes the relationship:
- Statement A: "The number of sodium ions is equal to the number of formula units of salt."
Since one sodium ion reacts with one chloride ion to form one formula unit of NaCl, this statement is correct. The number of sodium ions equals the number of formula units of salt formed.
- Statement B: "The number of sodium ions is less than the number of chloride ions."
According to the balanced equation, this statement is incorrect because the number of sodium ions is equal to the number of chloride ions.
- Statement C: "The number of chloride ions is less than the number of formula units of salt."
This statement is also incorrect because the number of chloride ions is equal to the number of formula units of salt formed.
- Statement D: "The number of sodium ions is two times the number of formula units of salt."
This statement is incorrect because for each sodium ion, exactly one formula unit of salt is formed. Therefore, the number of sodium ions cannot be twice the number of formula units.
Based on the detailed step-by-step breakdown of the reaction and its stoichiometry, the best statement that describes the relationship between the substances in the equation is:
The number of sodium ions is equal to the number of formula units of salt.
