Question

Each electron has a charge of 1–, and each proton has a charge of 1+. You can calculate the charge of an atom by subtracting the number of electrons from the number of protons. Move an electron from the sodium to the chlorine atom. A. What are the charges of each atom now?

Answer 1

In a neutral sodium (Na) atom, there are 11 protons and 11 electrons, which gives it a net charge of 0.

In a neutral chlorine (Cl) atom, there are 17 protons and 17 electrons, which also gives it a net charge of 0.

When you move one electron from the sodium atom to the chlorine atom:

1. **Sodium Atom**:
- Original protons: 11
- Original electrons: 11
- New electrons after moving one: 10
- Charge: \( 11 \text{ (protons)} - 10 \text{ (electrons)} = +1 \)

So, the sodium atom now has a charge of +1.

2. **Chlorine Atom**:
- Original protons: 17
- Original electrons: 17
- New electrons after gaining one: 18
- Charge: \( 17 \text{ (protons)} - 18 \text{ (electrons)} = -1 \)

So, the chlorine atom now has a charge of -1.

**Summary**:
- The sodium atom now has a charge of \( +1 \).
- The chlorine atom now has a charge of \( -1 \).