Question

Which of the following correctly identifies the composition of a sodium atom, which has an atomic number of 11 and an atomic mass of 23?

A. 11 protons, 8 electrons, and 11 neutrons
B. 11 protons, 11, electrons, and 11 neutrons
C. 11 protons, 11 electrons, 12 neutrons
D. 6 protons, 8 electrons, and 12 neutrons
I need help i am totally confused on what the answer is

Answer 1

C. 11 protons, 11 electrons, 12 neutrons

Answer 2

C. 11 protons, 11 electrons, 12 neutrons

Step-by-step explanation:

Sodium is an alkali metal whose symbol is Na and atomic number 11. It is highly reactive metal as it is ready to donate a single electron which is present in its outer shell. In each sodium (Na) atom there is 11 protons and 12 neutrons as its atomic mass is 23 (11+12) and number of electrons will be 11 in a neutal sodium atom.