If a sodium atom loses one electron, it would have a positive charge.

Here's why:

* Neutral Atom: A sodium atom in its neutral state has 11 protons (positive charge) and 11 electrons (negative charge). These charges balance out, resulting in a neutral atom.

* Losing an Electron: When a sodium atom loses an electron, it now has 11 protons and only 10 electrons. This leaves it with one more positive charge than negative charges.

* Cation: An atom with a positive charge is called a cation. In this case, the sodium atom would become a sodium cation (Na⁺).