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Multiple Choice
What is the charge of a sodium ion (Na^+)?
A
-1
B
+2
C
0
D
+1
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that the charge of an ion is determined by the difference between the number of protons (positive charges) and electrons (negative charges).
Recall that a neutral sodium atom (Na) has 11 protons and 11 electrons, resulting in no net charge (0).
When sodium forms an ion, it loses one electron to achieve a more stable electron configuration, typically resembling the nearest noble gas.
Losing one electron means the sodium ion now has 11 protons but only 10 electrons, resulting in a net positive charge.
Therefore, the charge of the sodium ion (Na^+) is +1.