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Multiple Choice
What charge will a sodium ion have when it loses one electron?
A
-1
B
0
C
+1
D
+2
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that sodium (Na) is an element in Group 1 of the periodic table, which means it has one electron in its outermost shell.
Recall that atoms tend to lose or gain electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, often resembling the nearest noble gas.
Recognize that when sodium loses one electron, it achieves the electron configuration of neon, a noble gas, which is stable.
Note that losing an electron results in a positive charge because electrons are negatively charged. The loss of one electron means the sodium atom has one more proton than electrons.
Conclude that the sodium ion will have a charge of +1, represented as Na+.