What is the difference between sodium atom and sodium ion ?

The difference between sodium atom and sodium ion are :

Sodium atom (Na)

1. Sodium atom is electrically neutral.

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2. In sodium atom, there are 11 protons and 11 electrons, i.e., equal number of protons and electrons

3. A sodium atom has only one electron in its valence shell.

4. The size of sodium atom is bigger than that a sodium ion.

5. The sodium atom is very reactive. It reacts with air or water readily.

4Na + O₂ – 2Na₂O

2Na + 2H₂O – 2NaOH + H₂

6. The properties of sodium atom are due to the electron in its valence shell

Sodium ion (Na⁺)

1. Sodium ion is positively charged

2. In sodium ion, there are 11 protons but 10 electrons, i.e., sodium ion contains lesser number of electrons.

3. Sodium ion has 8 electrons in its valence shell.

4. The size of sodium ion is smaller than that of sodium atom.

5. The sodium ion is stable. It does not react with air or water.

6. The properties of sodium ion are due to its charge.