NaBr is an ionic compound because when the metal combines with nonmetal, it usually forms an ionic compound. Here, Na is a metal and Br is a nonmetal. So when they combine, it forms an ionic compound.
Well, now you have got to know that NaBr is an ionic compound, but let me explain the in-depth reason why NaBr is an ionic compound.
If you are a visual learner like me, then here is a short one minute video for you.
Why is NaBr an ionic compound?
As mentioned above, you can simply remember that when the metal combines with nonmetal, the bond between them is an ionic bond.
Here in NaBr, the Na atom is a metal and the Br atom is a nonmetal.
Hence the bond between them is an ionic bond.
How does the ionic bond form between Na and Br?
In NaBr, there are two atoms;
Na and Br.
About Sodium (Na):
Sodium atom have 11 electrons.
The electrons arrangement in Sodium (Na) is 2, 8, 1.
So the outermost orbit of Sodium atom has 1 electron.
Now Sodium is a metal and the metals are highly electropositive (that means they have the tendency to lose electrons and become positive ions.)
Hence during the chemical reaction, the Sodium atom will lose 1 electron to form a stable octet.
About Bromine (Br):
Bromine atom have 35 electrons.
The electrons arrangement in Bromine (Br) is 2, 8, 18, 7.
So the outermost orbit of Bromine atom has 7 electrons.
Now Bromine is a nonmetal and the nonmetals are highly electronegative (that means they have the tendency to gain electrons and become negative ions.)
Hence during the chemical reaction, the Bromine atom will gain 1 electron to form a stable octet.
What happens when Na and Br combine?
When Na and Br combine with each other, the electron transfer takes place from Sodium atom to Bromine atom (i.e from Na to Br).
In other words, the Sodium atom (Na) loses 1 electron and the Bromine atom (Br) gains 1 electron.
Due to this, the Sodium becomes a positive ion (Na+) and Bromine becomes a negative ion (Br–).
Now because of the positive charge of Sodium ion and negative charge of Bromine ion, the electrostatic force of attraction is produced between them.
This electrostatic force between Sodium ion and Bromine ion results in an ionic bond between them.
Hence, NaBr is an ionic compound.
I hope you have understood the reason why NaBr is an ionic compound.
Check out other compounds to see whether they are ionic or covalent;
Is Na2O Ionic or Covalent?
Is CO Ionic or Covalent?
Is HF (Hydrogen fluoride) Ionic or Covalent?
Is CS2 Ionic or Covalent?
Is Na2CO3 Ionic or Covalent?
Jay is an educator and has helped more than 100,000 students in their studies by providing simple and easy explanations on different science-related topics. With a desire to make learning accessible for everyone, he founded Knords Learning, an online learning platform that provides students with easily understandable explanations.
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