A sodium ion carries a specific positive electrical charge resulting from the loss of an electron from a neutral sodium atom.
The reference states that a sodium ion has a charge of +1 electron charges (e). This fundamental unit of charge, often denoted as +1e, corresponds to a specific value in Coulombs (C).
Based on the information provided in the reference:
- The charge of a single electron is approximately -1.602 × 10⁻¹⁹ C.
- A sodium ion (Na⁺) loses one electron, resulting in a charge equal in magnitude but opposite in sign to the electron's charge.
Therefore, the charge of a sodium ion is +1 electron charges (e), which equates to 1.60 × 10⁻¹⁹ C.
Understanding the Charge of Sodium
Sodium Atom vs. Sodium Ion
It's important to distinguish between a neutral sodium atom and a sodium ion:
- A neutral sodium atom (Na) has 11 protons (positive charge) and 11 electrons (negative charge). The total positive charge is balanced by the total negative charge, resulting in a net charge of zero.
- A sodium ion (Na⁺) forms when a neutral sodium atom loses one electron. It then has 11 protons and only 10 electrons. This imbalance gives the ion a net positive charge.
The Charge Value
The charge of a single sodium ion is a fundamental constant in chemistry and physics. As referenced:
Entity | Charge in Electron Charges (e) | Charge in Coulombs (C) |
---|---|---|
Sodium Ion | +1 e | 1.60 × 10⁻¹⁹ C |
Electron | -1 e | -1.602 × 10⁻¹⁹ C |
Sodium Atom | 0 e | 0 C |
This value is often used in calculations involving electrolytes, electrical conductivity in solutions, and understanding chemical bonding.
Why Sodium Forms an Ion with a +1 Charge
Sodium (Na) is an alkali metal found in Group 1 of the periodic table. Atoms in this group have one valence electron, which is relatively easy to remove. By losing this single electron, a sodium atom achieves a stable electron configuration (like the noble gas Neon), forming a stable Na⁺ ion with a +1 charge.
Key Takeaway: The specific charge mentioned in the context of the provided reference refers to the positive charge held by a sodium ion, which is a result of it losing one electron.