Write the Lewis symbol for each atom or ion. b. Na⁺

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the element: Na represents sodium.
2. Determine the number of valence electrons for a neutral sodium atom: Sodium is in Group 1 of the periodic table, so it has 1 valence electron.
3. Understand the ion formation: Na^+ indicates that sodium has lost one electron to form a cation.
4. Draw the Lewis symbol for the Na^+ ion: Since the sodium ion has lost its only valence electron, it will have no dots around it.
5. Represent the charge: Write Na with a superscript '+' to indicate the positive charge of the ion.

Key Concepts

Lewis Symbols

Lewis symbols, also known as Lewis dot diagrams, represent the valence electrons of an atom or ion. Each dot corresponds to a valence electron, and the arrangement of these dots around the chemical symbol indicates how the atom can bond with others. This visual representation helps in understanding the bonding behavior and reactivity of elements.

Valence Electrons

Valence electrons are the outermost electrons of an atom and are crucial in determining how an atom interacts with others. The number of valence electrons influences an atom's ability to form bonds, either by gaining, losing, or sharing electrons. For example, sodium (Na) has one valence electron, which it readily loses to form a Na+ ion.

Ionic Charge

Ionic charge refers to the electrical charge that an atom or ion carries due to the loss or gain of electrons. A positive charge, like in Na+, indicates that the atom has lost one or more electrons, resulting in a net positive charge. Understanding ionic charges is essential for predicting the behavior of ions in chemical reactions and their interactions with other ions.