What is the atomic number of Sodium?

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Multiple Choice

What is the atomic number of Sodium?

Explanation:
The atomic number is the number of protons in an atom’s nucleus and uniquely identifies the element. Sodium has eleven protons, so its atomic number is eleven. In a neutral atom, there are also eleven electrons, balancing the charge. The other numbers correspond to different elements—seven protons is nitrogen, nine is fluorine, twelve is magnesium—so they are not sodium.

The atomic number is the number of protons in an atom’s nucleus and uniquely identifies the element. Sodium has eleven protons, so its atomic number is eleven. In a neutral atom, there are also eleven electrons, balancing the charge. The other numbers correspond to different elements—seven protons is nitrogen, nine is fluorine, twelve is magnesium—so they are not sodium.