* Protons: 11
* Neutrons: 12 (for the most common isotope, sodium-23)
* Electrons: 11
Explanation:
* Atomic Number: Sodium's atomic number is 11. This means it has 11 protons in its nucleus.
* Protons and Neutrons: The number of protons defines the element. The number of neutrons can vary, creating isotopes. The most common isotope of sodium is sodium-23, which has 12 neutrons (23 - 11 = 12).
* Electrons: Atoms are electrically neutral. To balance out the 11 positive charges of the protons, there are also 11 negatively charged electrons orbiting the nucleus.