* Sodium's Electron Configuration: Sodium (Na) has 11 electrons, with its outermost shell having only 1 electron.

* Stability: Atoms strive for a full outer shell of electrons, which is considered stable.

* Losing an Electron: By losing its single outer electron, sodium achieves a full outer shell configuration, mimicking the stable noble gas neon (Ne).

* Formation of a Cation: When sodium loses an electron, it becomes a positively charged ion (Na+) because it now has more protons than electrons.

In summary: Sodium atoms lose an electron to become positively charged ions (cations) and achieve a stable electron configuration.