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A sodium atom has 11 protons and electrons and a chlorine atom has 17 protons and electrons. When they combine, sodium loses an electron, and chlorine gains the electron sodium lost. Now, sodium has 10 electrons and 11 protons, making it positively charged. Chlorine on the other hand, now has 18 electrons and 17 protons, making it negatively charged. Sodium has a +1 charge, and chlorine has a -1 charge. Both charges cancel out, making it have no charge.

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13y ago

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