Certainly! Here are the differences between a sodium atom (Na) and a sodium ion (Na+):
### Difference 1: Charge
- Sodium Atom (Na): A sodium atom is electrically neutral. This means it has no net charge because the number of protons (positive charges) is equal to the number of electrons (negative charges).
- Sodium Ion (Na+): A sodium ion carries a positive charge. This occurs because the sodium atom loses one electron, resulting in more protons than electrons.
### Difference 2: Electron Count
- Sodium Atom (Na): A neutral sodium atom contains 11 electrons. This matches its atomic number, which is 11, indicating 11 protons in its nucleus.
- Sodium Ion (Na+): A sodium ion (Na+) has 10 electrons. When a neutral sodium atom loses one electron to form an ion, it is left with 10 electrons.
In summary, a sodium atom (Na) is neutral with 11 electrons, while a sodium ion (Na+) has a positive charge and 10 electrons.
