What is the oxidation number of sodium (Na) in its compounds?

• A. 0
• B. +1
• C. -1
• D. +2

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the oxidation number (or oxidation state) represents the charge an atom would have if the compound was purely ionic.
2. Sodium (Na) is an alkali metal found in Group 1 of the periodic table, which means it typically loses one electron to achieve a stable electron configuration.
3. When sodium forms compounds, it usually loses one electron, resulting in an oxidation number of +1.
4. The oxidation number of sodium in its elemental form (pure Na) is 0, but in compounds, it is almost always +1.
5. Therefore, for any sodium compound, assign an oxidation number of +1 to sodium.