Why is that when an atom loses an electron to become an ion it is represented like this?

Question

Example-

Sodium Atom (11 protons in nucleus, 11 electrons)--->loses one electron (e-)---> Sodium Ion + (11 protons, 10 electrons)

In my book this is represented like this

Na ---> Na+ + 1 electron

Shouldn't it be

Na ---> Na+ - 1 electron

because you lose an electron to get to make it a sodium ion don't you?

Answer 1

Okay the things on the laft of the arrow are your reactants and the things on the left are the products. Therefor the products when added together will make up the reactants that is why it is Na+ +1 electron becasue together they make Na

Answer 2

Are you sure you're not reading the charges? Losing an electron gives an atom a + charge. Because protons(+) and electrons(-) have equal but opposite charges. If an atom loses an electron, the protons then outnumber the electrons and the atom has a + charge. If it gains an electron, the electrons outnumber the protons, and it has a - charge.

Answer 3

The ion will be positive so

X ---> X+  +e-

where X is the symbol of the atom

Answer 4

Think of it this way. When you ionise Sodium, it produces the positive sodium ion, AND an electron.

Na → Na+ + e‾

e‾ being an electron.

which is what that equation indicates...