Question

The charge of an electron is \[ - 1.6 \times {10^{ - 19}}\] coulombs. What will be the value of charge on \[N{a^ + }\] ion?
A.\[1.6 \times {10^{ - 19}}\] C
B.\[3.2 \times {10^{ - 19}}\] C
C.\[2.4 \times {10^{ - 19}}\] C
D.\[10 \times 1.6 \times {10^{ - 19}}\] C

Answer 1

Hint: To solve this question, we must be familiar with the law of conservation of charge. The law of conservation of charge states that charge can neither be created nor be destroyed. Charge can be only transferred from one system to another.

Complete Step-by-Step Answer:

Before we move forward with the solution of this question, let us first understand some important basic concepts.
The atomic number of sodium is 11, hence the electronic configuration of sodium can be given as \[1{s^2}2{s^2}2{p^6}3{s^1}\] . Hence, there is only one electron that is removed from the valence shell to attain a stable octet configuration. According to the law of conservation of charge, the total amount of charge removed from the system is equal to the loss of the charge of the system. To explain this in simpler terms, if an electrically neutral system loses 1 unit of charge, then the net charge on the system is (-1) units. Similarly, if a system loses (-1) unit of charge, then the net charge on the system is 1 unit.
Applying this same concept in the given situation, since the sodium atom loses 1 electron, the charge lost by the sodium atom is equivalent to the charge of the electron. Also, the sodium atom is electrically neutral. Hence, the total charge on the sodium atom after it has lost its one electron is:
Total charge = initial charge – charge lost
                 \[ = (0) - ( - 1.6 \times {10^{ - 19}})\] C
                 \[ = 1.6 \times {10^{ - 19}}\] C

Hence, Option A is the correct option

Note: Different elements have different electronic configurations and hence they lose electrons corresponding to their valence shell. As stated in the question above, the total charge can be calculated by subtracting the product of charge of electron and number of electrons, from the initial charge of the atom.