Concept:In ionic bond formation between a metal and a non-metal, the metal acts as a reducing agent (loses electrons) and the non-metal acts as an oxidizing agent (gains electrons).
Solution:- In the reactants, both Sodium (\( Na \)) and Chlorine (\( Cl_2 \)) are in their free elemental states with oxidation numbers of \( 0 \).
- In the product (\( NaCl \)), Na is \( +1 \) and Cl is \( -1 \).
- Sodium's oxidation state increases (\( 0 \rightarrow +1 \)), so it undergoes oxidation. It is the reducing agent.
- Chlorine's oxidation state decreases (\( 0 \rightarrow -1 \)), so it undergoes reduction. It is the oxidizing agent.
Why other options are incorrect:Option A falsely claims Sodium is reduced. Option C is grammatically and scientifically nonsensical. Option B is factually perfect.
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