How does an atom of Na become stable?

An atom of sodium (Na) becomes stable by losing one electron from its outermost shell, resulting in a complete octet in its next inner shell. This process forms a positively charged sodium ion (Na⁺). The loss of this electron allows sodium to achieve a more stable electronic configuration, similar to that of the noble gas neon. In doing so, Na becomes more chemically reactive, often forming ionic bonds with nonmetals that can accept the lost electron.