Lewis Symbol for Sodium
The Lewis symbol for sodium is a single dot, located to the right of the sodium symbol (Na). This dot represents the single valence electron that sodium has. Valence electrons are the electrons that are located in the outermost shell of an atom. They are the electrons that are involved in chemical bonding.
To draw the Lewis symbol for sodium, follow these steps:
- Find the element symbol for sodium on the periodic table.
- Count the number of valence electrons for sodium. Sodium is in group 1 of the periodic table, so it has 1 valence electron.
- Draw a single dot to the right of the sodium symbol.
Here is the Lewis symbol for sodium:
Na Questions about the Lewis Symbol for Sodium
- What is the valence electron configuration of sodium?
The valence electron configuration of sodium is 3s1. This means that sodium has one electron in its third energy level, s subshell.
- Why is the Lewis symbol for sodium a single dot?
The Lewis symbol for sodium is a single dot because sodium has only one valence electron. Valence electrons are the electrons that are located in the outermost shell of an atom. They are the electrons that are involved in chemical bonding.
- How does the Lewis symbol for sodium change when sodium becomes an ion?
When sodium becomes an ion, it loses its valence electron. This is because sodium is a metal, and metals tend to lose electrons to become cations. The Lewis symbol for a sodium ion is a sodium symbol with no dots.
Here is the Lewis symbol for a sodium ion:
Na+ Conclusion
The Lewis symbol for sodium is a single dot. This dot represents the single valence electron that sodium has. Valence electrons are the electrons that are involved in chemical bonding.
