What is the Difference Between Sodium Atom and Sodium Ion?

The main difference between a sodium atom and a sodium ion lies in their charge and the number of electrons they contain. Here are the key differences:

• Sodium Atom:
• Contains 11 electrons, equal to its atomic number.
• Electrically neutral, as it has an equal number of protons and electrons.
• Represents the naturally occurring state of the element.
• Sodium Ion (Na+):
• Has 10 electrons, one less than the sodium atom.
• Positive charge due to the loss of one electron, making it a charged particle.
• Formed when a sodium atom loses one electron, typically through ionization.

In summary, a sodium atom is electrically neutral and contains 11 electrons, while a sodium ion has a positive charge and contains 10 electrons due to the loss of one electron.

Comparative Table: Sodium Atom vs Sodium Ion

The main difference between a sodium atom and a sodium ion lies in their electrical charge, electron configuration, and size. Here is a table comparing the two:

A sodium atom is electrically neutral, as it has an equal number of protons and electrons. In contrast, a sodium ion is positively charged due to the loss of an electron, leaving it with 10 electrons and 11 protons. As a result, the sodium ion has a smaller size compared to the sodium atom.