Question

The sodium atom has 11 electrons arranged 2^8^1. What must the atom do to become stable?

A. Lose 1 electron
B. Gain 1 electron
C. Lose 2 electrons
D. Gain 2 electrons

Answer 1

The sodium atom must lose 1 electron to become stable. A sodium atom has one valence electron in its outermost shell, and it is easier for the sodium atom to donate that one electron rather than accept seven more electrons to fill its outer shell. When sodium loses the one electron, it becomes a sodium ion (Na+) with an overall charge of +1.

Step-by-step explanation:

The sodium atom must lose 1 electron in order to become stable. A sodium atom has one valence electron in its outermost shell, and it is easier for the sodium atom to donate that one electron rather than accept seven more electrons to fill its outer shell. When sodium loses the one electron, it becomes a sodium ion (Na+) with an overall charge of +1.

sodium atom must lose 1 electron to become stable. A sodium atom has one valence electron in its outermost shell, and it is easier for the sodium atom to donate that one electron rather than accept seven more electrons to fill its outer shell. When sodium loses the one electron, it becomes a sodium ion (Na+) with an overall charge of +1.