Name: Sodium
Symbol: Na
Atomic Number: 11
Atomic Mass: 22.98977
Group: 1
Period: 3
Electron Configuration: 2-8-1
Solid at STP
Metal
Alkali Metal
Write Your Questions Below
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so there are 11 protons, 11 nutrons and 11 electrons in a sodium atom? (approximation) January 17, 2012 |
 | There are always 11 protons for sodium.
As long as we are dealing with a neutral atom on the periodic table then there are also 11 electrons.
The neutrons will vary depending on the isotopes but the most abundant isotope is 23 which would give you 12 neutrons. January 17, 2012 - Replied By Expert |
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How many neutrons in the nucleus of a sodium atom? January 17, 2012 |
 | Hello - if you look at the periodic table of elements you will see that Na is element 11(meaning that there are 11 protons present) and has a mass number of 23 (round the atomic mass). What the atomic mass is, is the total number of protons and neutrons since the electrons have such an insignificant (1/1836 of a proton) mass. Having said that, all that you need to do to determine the number of neutrons an element has is to subtract the atomic number from the mass number.
When you look at the Periodic Table of the Elements in the reference tables for the NYS Regents you will see a key at the top of the page to show you where to find the different numbers. January 17, 2012 - Replied By Expert |