Question

An atom of sodium-23 (Na-23) has a net charge of +1. Identify the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in the atom. Then, explain how you determined the number of each type of particle.

Answer 1

Sodium - 23 has a net charge of + 1

Atomic number = number of protons found for the element of sodium by simply looking for the element in the periodic table = 11.

Electrons = since this atom of sodium has a net charge of + 1. Use this formula to find the number of electrons.

No. Of protons - No of electrons = ion charge.

11 - X = 1
-X = 1-11
-X = -10
X = 10.

Electrons = 10. There are 10 electrons in this atom of sodium.

Neutrons = Mass number - Atomic Number = 23 - 11 = 12.

This atom of sodium -23 had 12 neutrons.