Wikijunior:The Elements/Sodium

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[edit] Properties of Sodium

Sodium is classified as an Alkali Metal. The Atomic Number of Sodium is 11 and the Atomic Mass is 23. This element is in the 3rd period of the Periodic Table of Elements, which means it is in the third horizontal row. Sodium is in the 1st family (group) of the Periodic Table of Elements, which means that it is in the first vertical column. Sodium has 14 Isotopes. They are 19-31, and 24m. Sodium has a high malleability, meaning it can be easily pressed or hammered into different shapes. The melting point of Sodium is 97.82°C. The boiling point of Sodium can range from 881°C to 883°C, though it is usually closer to 881.4°C.

[edit] What does it look, feel, taste or smell like?

Pure sodium is a soft and silvery metal. Sodium is prevented from contact with the air and water by immersion in oil. It is so soft that you could cut it with a knife.

[edit] How was it discovered?

Sodium was isolated by Sir Humphrey Davy in 1807 from sodium hydroxide.

[edit] Where did its name come from?

Sodium gets its name from the English soda. In Latin it was called natrium.

[edit] Where is it found?

The most common compound of sodium is sodium chloride, better known as salt, which can be found in seawater and in the mineral halite. Sodium is relatively common in stars. Because sodium is highly reactive, it is never found in its pure state in nature.

[edit] What are its uses?

We use sodium everyday. Sodium chloride is used to help flavor food in the form of table salt. Sodium is also found in sodium bicarbonate, also called baking soda. Sodium is also used in some soaps.

Sodium is also required by the body for proper blood, brain cell action, heart activity, and more. It is so important that animals and people are adapted to tasting sodium. Sodium is salty.

[edit] Is it dangerous?

Sodium is highly reactive and may explode on contact with water. It may even cause fire.

[edit] References