An atom of sodium-23 (Na-23) has a net charge of +1. Identify the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in the atom. Then, explain how you determined the number of each type of particle. Use the periodic table to help you.

Protons = 11  Electrons = 10  Neutrons = 12

Explanation:

Sodium's atomic number is 11. The atomic number is determined by the number of protons in an atom. Since protons have a charge of +1 you would need 1 less electron than proton. Finally, to find the number of neutrons, you subtract the atomic number FROM the atomic mass. The atomic mass of Na23 is 23. Subtract 11 from 23 and you get 12.

radioactive decay occurs in unstable atomic nuclei – that is, ones that don't have enough binding energy to hold

the nucleus together due to an excess of either protons or neutrons.