In the nucleus of `._(11)Na^(23)`, the number of protons, neutrons and electrons are

Options

A. `11, 12, 0`
B. `23, 12, 11`
C. `12, 11, 0`
D. `23, 11, 12`

Answer

To solve the problem, we need to determine the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in the nucleus of the sodium isotope represented as \( _{11}^{23}\text{Na} \).

### Step 1: Identify the number of protons
The atomic number (Z) of sodium (Na) is given as 11. This number represents the number of protons in the nucleus.

**Solution:**
- Number of protons = Z = 11

### Step 2: Identify the mass number
The mass number (A) of the sodium isotope is given as 23. The mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.

**Solution:**
- Mass number (A) = 23

### Step 3: Calculate the number of neutrons
The number of neutrons (N) can be calculated using the formula:
\[ N = A - Z \]
Substituting the values we have:
\[ N = 23 - 11 = 12 \]

**Solution:**
- Number of neutrons = N = 12

### Step 4: Determine the number of electrons
In a neutral atom, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons. Since we are considering the nucleus, it is important to note that electrons do not reside in the nucleus itself.

**Solution:**
- Number of electrons = Number of protons = 11 (but in the nucleus, there are no electrons)

### Final Summary:
- Number of protons = 11
- Number of neutrons = 12
- Number of electrons in the nucleus = 0