Multiple Choice
An ion has 19 protons and 18 electrons. What is the charge of this ion?
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2. Atoms & Elements
Ions
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What is the charge of the most common ion formed by a sodium (Na) atom?
A
+2
B
-1
C
0
D
+1
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the position of sodium (Na) in the periodic table. Sodium is in Group 1 (alkali metals), which means it has one electron in its outermost shell.
Recall that atoms tend to form ions to achieve a stable electron configuration, often resembling the nearest noble gas configuration.
Since sodium has one electron in its outer shell, it tends to lose that electron to achieve the electron configuration of neon, a noble gas.
Losing one electron results in a positive charge because there are now more protons than electrons in the ion.
Therefore, the most common ion formed by sodium has a charge of +1.
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