Need help understanding atoms

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I just want to check my work and make sure I 'got' it. There are quite a few questions on my homework like these and I don't want to get them all wrong....I need to know how many electrons are in the following atoms: Na+. I say 10 because to make the ion positively charged, 1 electron (which is negative) must be lost. This leaves one extra positeve protron. Na has 11 electrons in its natural state, minus one to make it Na+. This leaves 10 electrons. Am I right?

How about S-2. I say 18. S has 16 electrons originally. Add 2 to make it negative (-2). This makes it 18 electrons.

Do I have it right? It is so confusing. Thanks so much. If it was just one or two questions I would not worry. It is one of those if I have one wrong, I have them all wrong.

Colleen

Yup! You're right.

I was a Chem major, so your question just made my day!

Happy Chemistry studying!

Specializes in Emergency Room.

Yes. Chem major here too you have it right! Good job!

I just want to check my work and make sure I 'got' it. There are quite a few questions on my homework like these and I don't want to get them all wrong....I need to know how many electrons are in the following atoms: Na+. I say 10 because to make the ion positively charged, 1 electron (which is negative) must be lost. This leaves one extra positeve protron. Na has 11 electrons in its natural state, minus one to make it Na+. This leaves 10 electrons. Am I right?

How about S-2. I say 18. S has 16 electrons originally. Add 2 to make it negative (-2). This makes it 18 electrons.

Do I have it right? It is so confusing. Thanks so much. If it was just one or two questions I would not worry. It is one of those if I have one wrong, I have them all wrong.

Colleen

Wow, the way you worded that has cleared up and made sense out of what I have always just taken at face value. You made it all make sense for me. THANKS!

I read this a few days ago and had no clue what you were talking about. I went to class on Wednesday and now I know exactly what you are saying. I am actually learning something. AMAZING.

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