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Multiple Choice
Which of the following correctly represents the Lewis dot structure for the sodium ion, Na^+?
A
Na with no dots
B
Na^+ with two dots
C
Na with one dot
D
Na^+ with eight dots
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Verified step by step guidance
1
Recall that the Lewis dot structure represents the valence electrons of an atom or ion as dots around the element's symbol.
Identify the number of valence electrons in a neutral sodium (Na) atom. Sodium is in group 1 of the periodic table, so it has 1 valence electron.
Consider the charge on the sodium ion (Na^+). A positive charge means the atom has lost electrons. Since Na^+ has a +1 charge, it has lost its one valence electron.
Since the Na^+ ion has lost its only valence electron, the Lewis dot structure for Na^+ should show no dots around the symbol, indicating zero valence electrons.
Therefore, the correct Lewis dot structure for Na^+ is simply the symbol 'Na' with no dots around it.