An atom of sodium-23 (Na-23) has a net charge of +1. Identify the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in the atom. Then, explain how you determined the number of each type of particle. Use the periodic table to help you.

Answer:

It has 11 protons, 12 neutrons, and 10 electrons. Sodium’s atomic number is 11, which gives the number of protons. Subtracting the atomic number from the mass number (23 − 11) gives 12 neutrons. Since protons have a +1 charge and electrons have a −1 charge, a net charge of +1 means the atom has one fewer electron than proton: 10 electrons.