The sodium ions have given up their outer electrons to the chloride ions. The crystal as a whole has the same number of protons and electrons and is neutral. If the solid is dissolved in water the solution consists of sodium ions and chloride ions surrounded by the polar water molecules that are oriented about the ions to form a hydration sphere. The water molecule has a negative and positive end. The negative end of the water molecule is directed toward a positive ion and the positive end is turned toward a negative ion.
Ions can consist of two or more atoms.