Before the electron transfer, sodium has electron in its outer shell, chlorine has

Before the electron transfer occurs between sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl): - **Sodium (Na)** has **one electron** in its outermost (valence) shell. This single valence electron is what sodium tends to lose during the transfer, forming a positively charged ion (Na⁺). - **Chlorine (Cl)** has **seven electrons** in its outermost shell. Chlorine tends to gain one electron to achieve a full valence shell, forming a negatively charged ion (Cl⁻). This transfer of one electron from sodium to chlorine allows both atoms to achieve a more stable electron configuration, resembling the nearest noble gases. **Summary:** - **Sodium:** 1 electron in the outer shell - **Chlorine:** 7 electrons in the outer shell Answer: Chlorine has seven electrons in its outer (valence) shell before transferring an electron.