Question

Sodium Na atomic number 11 has only one valence electron. Upon losing this electron what other atom in the periodic table does the sodium thus resemble?

Answer 1

Upon losing its single valence electron, a sodium atom resembles neon in terms of electron configuration, as both would then have eight valence electrons, with sodium forming a sodium ion with a +1 charge.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a sodium atom (Na) with an atomic number of 11 loses its one valence electron, it becomes a sodium ion (Na+). This ion has 11 protons and 10 electrons, giving it a positive charge of +1. The loss of the valence electron changes the electron configuration of the sodium ion to match that of neon (Ne), a noble gas with a stable configuration and eight valence electrons. Therefore, upon losing its single valence electron, sodium now resembles neon in terms of electron configuration.