Sodium Valence Electrons
Why sodium has 1
Sodium has 11 electrons, arranged as 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s1. The highest shell is n = 3, holding 3s1, so 1.
Sodium is in group 1, and groups 1 and 2 have as many valence electrons as their group number.
What that means for bonding
As a metal, sodium tends to lose valence electrons rather than gain them, forming Na+ ions.
Electrons per shell: 2, 8, 1. See the sodium electron configuration and orbital diagram or the full sodium data sheet.
Same group, same count
Sodium valence electrons FAQ
How many valence electrons does sodium have?
Sodium has 1 valence electron. Its electron configuration is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s¹, and the outermost shell (n = 3) holds 3s¹.
How do you find the valence electrons of sodium?
Sodium is in group 1, and groups 1 and 2 have as many valence electrons as their group number.
How many bonds does sodium form?
As a metal, sodium tends to lose valence electrons rather than gain them, forming Na+ ions.
What is the Lewis dot structure of sodium?
The symbol Na with 1 dot around it, one per valence electron, placed singly on each side before any side is paired.
How many core electrons does sodium have?
10: 11 electrons in total minus the 1 valence electron.