To determine the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in 23Na+, we first need to look at the atomic structure of sodium.
The number 23 in 23Na refers to the atomic mass of the sodium isotope, which is the sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. Sodium (Na) has an atomic number of 11, which means it has 11 protons.
Since the atomic mass is 23, we can calculate the number of neutrons by subtracting the number of protons from the atomic mass:
Number of neutrons = Atomic mass – Number of protons
Number of neutrons = 23 – 11 = 12
Now, for the number of electrons in 23Na+: The plus sign indicates that this sodium ion has lost one electron. Normally, a neutral sodium atom would have an equal number of protons and electrons, which is 11. However, since it is a Na+ ion, it now has one less electron:
Number of electrons = Number of protons – 1 = 11 – 1 = 10
In summary:
- Protons: 11
- Neutrons: 12
- Electrons: 10