Sodium Ions: Positive Charge Explained

A sodium ion is a positively charged particle formed when a sodium atom loses one electron. The charge of a sodium ion is related to its atomic number, which is 11, and its electronic configuration. Sodium has 11 electrons, with one in the outermost energy level. When this electron is lost, the sodium ion becomes positively charged.

What Charge Does a Sodium Ion Have?

A sodium ion is a positively charged ion that contains one less electron than the number of protons in the nucleus. This means that sodium ions have a net charge of +1.

Structure of a Sodium Ion

Sodium atoms have 11 electrons and 11 protons. When a sodium atom loses an electron, it becomes a positively charged ion. The resulting ion has 10 electrons and 11 protons, giving it a net charge of +1.

Chemical Symbol for a Sodium Ion

The chemical symbol for a sodium ion is Na+. The + superscript indicates that the ion has a positive charge.

Properties of Sodium Ions

Sodium ions are highly reactive and can easily form compounds with other elements. They are also good conductors of electricity.

Table of Sodium Ion Properties

Property Value
Charge +1
Number of electrons 10
Number of protons 11
Chemical symbol Na+
Reactivity High
Conductivity Good

Question 1: What charge does a sodium ion carry?

Answer: A sodium ion carries a positive charge (+1). This is because sodium atoms have one more proton than electron, giving them a net positive charge. When sodium atoms lose an electron, they become sodium ions.

Question 2: Why is the charge of a sodium ion positive?

Answer: The charge of a sodium ion is positive because sodium atoms have one more proton than electron. Protons have a positive charge, while electrons have a negative charge. The net charge of an atom is determined by the difference between the number of protons and electrons it has.

Question 3: What is the relationship between the number of protons and electrons in a sodium ion?

Answer: A sodium ion has one more proton than electron. This is because sodium atoms lose one electron to become sodium ions. The loss of an electron results in a net positive charge of +1.

Well, there you have it! The answer to the question “What charge does a sodium ion have?” is +1. Thanks for reading, and be sure to visit again later for more science-y goodness. In the meantime, stay curious and keep asking questions!

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