Question

The element sodium (Na) has an atomic number of 11 with one outer valence electron, this element would likely form A.)An anion B.)A cation C.)An inert gas D.)A covalent bond

Answer 1

I think the correct answer from the choices listed above is option A. The element sodium (Na) has an atomic number of 11 with one outer valence electron, this element would likely form an anion since it has one negative charge which is represented by the one valence electron.

Answer 2

Answer: B.) A cation

Explanation: Sodium is an element with atomic number 11 and thus contain 11 electrons. It is a s block element as the last electron enters the s orbital. The nearest noble gas is Neon with 10 electrons.

The electrons are filled according to Afbau's rule in order of increasing energies and thus the electronic configuration is:

$[Na]:11:1s^22s^22p^63s^1$

Sodium atom will loose one electron to gain noble gas configuration and form sodium cation with +1 charge.

$[Na^+]:10:1s^22s^22p^63s^0$

An anion is formed when a neutral atom gains electron.

An inert gas is a neutral element with completely filled valence shell.

A covalent bond is formed by sharing of electrons between two atoms.