question 18 of 25\nwhat happens when a sodium atom loses an electron in its outer energy shell?\na. it has…

question 18 of 25\nwhat happens when a sodium atom loses an electron in its outer energy shell?\na. it has an increase in the number of protons.\nb. it becomes a positive ion.\nc. it becomes a negative ion.\nd. it has an increase in the number of neutrons.

question 18 of 25\nwhat happens when a sodium atom loses an electron in its outer energy shell?\na. it has an increase in the number of protons.\nb. it becomes a positive ion.\nc. it becomes a negative ion.\nd. it has an increase in the number of neutrons.

Answer

Brief Explanations:

Atoms are neutral with equal number of protons and electrons. When sodium loses an electron, it has more protons (+ charge) than electrons (- charge), becoming a positive ion called a cation. Protons and neutrons are not affected by losing an outer - shell electron.

Answer:

B. It becomes a positive ion.