How do sodium and chlorine achieve stable electronic configurations through their interaction?

Sodium and chlorine achieve stable electronic configurations through ionic bonding. Sodium, with one electron in its outer shell, donates this electron to chlorine, which has seven electrons in its outer shell. Sodium becomes a positively charged cation (Na⁺) with a stable noble gas configuration (like neon), while chlorine forms a negatively charged anion (Cl⁻) with a stable noble gas configuration (like argon). The electrostatic attraction between Na⁺ and Cl⁻ ions results in the formation of sodium chloride (NaCl), where each ion’s electron deficiency or excess is compensated, leading to a more stable overall electronic configuration for both elements.