How does sodium form a positive ion in a chemical reaction?

Sodium forms a positive ion, or cation, through the process of electron transfer during a chemical reaction.12

A neutral sodium atom has an electronic configuration of 2-8-1, meaning it possesses a single valence electron in its outermost shell. To achieve a more stable, closed-shell electron configuration, the sodium atom donates this loosely bound valence electron to a more electronegative atom, such as chlorine.3415

By losing this negatively charged electron, the sodium atom retains its 11 protons but is left with only 10 electrons, resulting in a net positive charge of +1 (Na⁺). This formation is a fundamental step in the creation of ionic compounds, where the resulting electrostatic attraction between the positive sodium cation and the negative anion leads to the development of a stable crystalline structure.1265