To determine the number of electrons in a sodium ion ([tex]\( { }_{11}^{23} Na ^{+} \)[/tex]), we should follow these steps:
1. Identify the Atomic Number: The atomic number of sodium (Na) is 11. This is the number of protons in a neutral sodium atom.
2. Determine the Number of Electrons in a Neutral Sodium Atom: In a neutral atom, the number of electrons equals the number of protons. Therefore, a neutral sodium atom has 11 electrons.
3. Consider the Charge of the Ion: The sodium ion in question is [tex]\( Na^+ \)[/tex]. The "+1" charge indicates that the ion has lost one electron compared to its neutral state.
4. Calculate the Number of Electrons in the Ion:
- A neutral sodium atom has 11 electrons.
- Since the ion has a [tex]\( +1 \)[/tex] charge, it has lost one electron.
- Therefore, the number of electrons in the [tex]\( Na^+ \)[/tex] ion is [tex]\( 11 - 1 = 10 \)[/tex].
Therefore, the sodium ion [tex]\( { }_{11}^{23} Na ^{+} \)[/tex] has 10 electrons. The correct answer is:
10
