Question

Can anyone help?
Analyze the properties of a sodium atom and sodium ion. What are the differences in mass, stability, and reactivity that are caused due to the differences between the sodium atom and sodium ion.

Answer 1

sodium is a group 1 non metal, and can become a cation by losing its 1 valence electron. because of this, the mass of the regular atom is greater than the ion. For stability, the ion is more stable, as it has a complete octet, meaning it has a full outer shell of electrons, unlike the atom. the atom is more reactive, as the single electron around it can combine very easily. that's why w don't find sodium in its pure state anywhere, only combined with other things, such as chlorine to make salt, etc.