Answer:
The correct answer is B) equal to the number of protons.
Step-by-step explanation:
An atom of elemental sodium has 11 electrons. The number of protons in an atom determines its atomic number and the identity of the element. In the case of sodium, the atomic number is 11, which means it has 11 protons in its nucleus. Since atoms are electrically neutral, the number of electrons in an atom of sodium is also 11, balancing the positive charge of the protons.