Q
QuestionChemistry

What is the charge on an ion of sodium (Na)?
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Step 1:
Sodium is an element in the periodic table with the atomic number 11, which means it has 11 protons in its nucleus.

In a neutral atom, the number of protons equals the number of electrons. However, when sodium loses one electron to achieve a stable electron configuration, it becomes a positive ion.

Step 2:
: Write out the initial charge of a sodium atom.

\text{Initial charge (sodium atom)} = + 11\,e

Step 3:
: Determine the change in charge due to the loss of an electron.

\text{Change in charge (loss of 1 electron)} = - 1\,e

Step 4:
: Calculate the charge on the sodium ion by subtracting the change in charge from the initial charge.

\text{Charge on sodium ion} = \text{Initial charge (sodium atom)} + \text{Change in charge} \text{Charge on sodium ion} = + 11\,e - 1\,e = + 10\,e

Final Answer

The charge on an ion of sodium (Na) is + 10 elementary charges ( + 10\,e ).