Chapter 2, Problem 10CRQ

(a)

Summary Introduction

To determine: The number of electrons in the atom of sodium.

Introduction: The electrons are negatively charged sub-atomic particles that are found revolving around the nucleus in their orbits. They are the elementary particles that cannot be broken down further into smaller substances.

(b)

Summary Introduction

To determine: The electrical charge present on the atom of sodium.

Introduction: The electrical charge of the atom depends on the number of electrons and protons present. If the number of electrons in an atom is less than the number of protons, then the atom is said to be positively charged. While, if the number of electrons is more than the number of protons, then the atom is said to be negatively charged.

(c)

Summary Introduction

To determine: The total neutrons present in the atom of sodium.

Introduction: The neutrons are one of the three sub-atomic particles that consist of no charge. They are found inside the nucleus. Their mass is slightly greater than the mass of the protons which are also found inside the nucleus.

(d)

Summary Introduction

To determine: Whether the atom of sodium would be called an anion or cation if it loses one electron.

Introduction: Ions are formed when the atom has a strong attraction for electrons that it pulls one or more electrons completely away from another atom. The atom that gains electrons acquires a negative charge and is known as an anion. Whereas, the atom that gives up electrons acquires a positive charge and is known as a cation.

(e)

Summary Introduction

To determine: The type of electrical charge that would be present in the sodium atom if it loses one electron.

Introduction: Ions are formed when an atom either loses or gains electrons. This is attributed to the property of electronegativity, where one atom has a strong attraction for electrons that it pulls one or more electrons completely away from another atom.

(f)

Summary Introduction

To determine: The chemical symbol which is used for denoting the sodium ion that has lost one electron.

Introduction: The chemical symbol is generally a one or two letter alphabet which is used for denoting the element. It is specific for every known element. The first letter of the symbol is written in capital form.

(g)

Summary Introduction

To determine: The fate of the sodium atom if it loses one proton from the nucleus.

Introduction: Protons are the positively charged sub-atomic particles that are present inside the nucleus. The number of protons present reflects the atomic number of the element.

(h)

Summary Introduction

To determine: The chemical symbol of the atom that is formed when sodium loses one proton from its nucleus.

Introduction: The chemical symbol is used to denote the element in the periodic table. It is a one or two letter alphabet which signifies the name of the element. The first letter of the symbol is written in the capital form.