Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Sodium atoms are the individual particles of sodium, which is a chemical element represented by the symbol Na. Each sodium atom contains 11 protons and usually 12 neutrons.
Related terms
Atomic number: The atomic number represents the number of protons in an atom's nucleus.
Valence electrons: Valence electrons are the outermost electrons in an atom that participate in chemical reactions.
Ionization energy: Ionization energy refers to the amount of energy needed to remove an electron from an atom or ion.