Which of the following correctly represents the Lewis dot structure for the sodium ion, Na^+?

• A. Na with no dots
• B. Na^+ with two dots
• C. Na with one dot
• D. Na^+ with eight dots

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the Lewis dot structure represents the valence electrons of an atom or ion as dots around the element's symbol.
2. Identify the number of valence electrons in a neutral sodium (Na) atom. Sodium is in group 1 of the periodic table, so it has 1 valence electron.
3. Consider the charge on the sodium ion (Na^+). A positive charge means the atom has lost electrons. Since Na^+ has a +1 charge, it has lost its one valence electron.
4. Since the Na^+ ion has lost its only valence electron, the Lewis dot structure for Na^+ should show no dots around the symbol, indicating zero valence electrons.
5. Therefore, the correct Lewis dot structure for Na^+ is simply the symbol 'Na' with no dots around it.