Why is an atom of sodium is neutral?

Answer 1

An atom of sodium has 11 protons, 11 electrons and (23-11=12)neutrons.

A neutron has a charge of 0. Therefore the number of nuetrons do not affect the charge of the atom.

A Proton carries the charge of +1. So 11 protons mean that the atom has a charge of +11.

An electron has a charge of -1, meaning that the atom would have a negative charge of -11.

When you add everything up,

0 + 11 + -11

= 0 + 11 -11

= 0 + 0

= 0

Therefore a sodium atom is neutral.

Answer 2

A sodium atom might be neutral, but because sodium is so reactive, we just don't encounter sodium uncombined anywhere in nature. Table salt is sodium chloride, and the sodium atoms in this chemical compound are ions. Those atoms have loaned an electron to chlorine (which forms the chlorine ion). Sodium metal must be stored in a container full of something like kerosene, which is used to keep air (the moisture in air, actually) from reacting with the sodium metal.

Answer 3

No. The sodium atom has no charge but after donating an electron , it gains a positive charge and is called a sodium ion.

Answer 4

There are 11 electrons in a neutral atom of Sodium.

Answer 5

Sodium as an element is neutral, as are all chemical elements. However, in all of its compounds sodium becomes a positively charged ion.

Answer 6

No, the sodium ion is positive.

Answer 7

Positive, Na+

Answer 8

yes