Question

How do you determine the electron configuration of Na?

Answer 1

Well, how many electrons does a sodium atom have?

Explanation:

It has `11` electrons. How did I know this? How will you know this if it is asked in your exam? And we write the electronic configuration in the usual `"aufbau"` way...

`Na:1s^(2)2s^(2)2p^(6)3s^1`

The `3s` electron is READILY LOST, and this sodium metal is a very capable REDUCTANT....