Sodium Atom Diagram

Observe a simplified yet insightful diagram of a neutral sodium atom. The core of this atomic representation features a cluster of blue spheres, symbolizing the nucleus with its protons and neutrons. Surrounding this nucleus, 11 red spheres depict the atom's electrons, arranged in their characteristic energy levels: two in the first shell, eight in the second, and a lone valence electron occupying the outermost shell. This arrangement visually explains why sodium is an alkali metal.

sodium atom - atomic structure - electron shells - nucleus - chemistry - physics