Discussion Question 1 Using The South University Onli 767125 ✓ Solved
Discussion Question 1using The South University Online Library Or The
Using the South University Online Library or the Internet, research any one element. On the basis of your research, provide: An analysis of the properties of the neutral atom and its most common ion. An explanation of the difference between stabilities of the selected neutral atom and its most common ion. A description of a process in the human body that is impacted differently by the neutral atom and its most common ion.
Sample Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
The study of elements, their atomic properties, and their ions is fundamental in understanding chemical behavior and biological processes. This paper explores sodium, a commonly studied element, focusing on its neutral atom and its most prevalent ion, and examines how their properties influence biological functions.
Properties of the Neutral Atom and Its Most Common Ion
Sodium (Na) is an alkali metal with atomic number 11, characterized by a single electron in its outermost shell (Zumdahl & Zumdahl, 2017). The neutral sodium atom has 11 protons, 11 electrons, and a neutral charge. Its properties include a low ionization energy and high reactivity, especially with water.
The most common ion of sodium is the sodium ion (Na+), formed when sodium loses its outermost electron. This ion has 11 protons and 10 electrons, resulting in a positive charge. The Na+ ion is smaller than the neutral atom due to the loss of an electron which reduces electron-electron repulsion and allows the nucleus to exert a stronger attraction on the remaining electrons.
Stability Differences Between Neutral Atom and Ion
The stability of an atom or ion depends on its electron configuration. While the neutral sodium atom has an electronic configuration of [Ne]3s1, making it highly reactive and unstable in isolation, the Na+ ion has achieved a stable noble gas configuration [Ne]. This inert electron configuration renders the sodium ion much more stable than the neutral atom in biological environments, where stability often correlates with lower reactivity and lower energy states (Brown et al., 2018).
The stability of the Na+ ion is crucial for its biological roles because it prevents unwanted reactions and allows for specific interactions necessary in physiological processes.
Biological Process Impacted by Neutral Atom and Ion
One example of a biological process impacted differently by the neutral atom and its ion is nerve signal transmission. Sodium ions (Na+) play a critical role in generating action potentials in nerve cells. During nerve firing, sodium channels open, allowing Na+ ions to enter the neuron’s cell membrane, depolarizing the cell (Kandel et al., 2013).
Conversely, neutral sodium atoms are not involved in this process directly because they are not able to cross cell membranes easily or participate in ionic exchanges in the body. The ionic form’s ability to move across cell membranes through specific channels is essential in neural signaling, muscle contractions, and maintaining electrolyte balance.
Conclusion
Understanding the properties of sodium's neutral atom and its most common ion demonstrates their distinct roles in chemistry and biology. The Na+ ion's stability and ability to participate in biological processes highlight the importance of ions in physiological functions such as neural activity and electrolyte regulation.
References
- Brown, T. L., LeMay, H. E., Bursten, B. E., Murphy, C., Woodward, P., & Stoltzfus, M. (2018). Chemistry: The Central Science. Pearson.
- Kandel, E. R., Schwartz, J. H., Jessell, T. M., Siegelbaum, S. A., & Hudspeth, A. J. (2013). Principles of Neural Science. McGraw-Hill.
- Zumdahl, S. S., & Zumdahl, S. A. (2017). Chemistry (10th ed.). Cengage Learning.