sodium

The definition of sodium is an alkali metal with the atomic number of 11.

Facts About Sodium

• Its symbol is Na, which stands for the Latin word "natrium" meaning sodium carbonate.
• One of the ninety-two substances found in nature that cannot be broken down into smaller pieces.
• As a metal, it is soft, light, and easy to manipulate. It conducts heat and electricity well.
• Sodium is highly reactive to water and reacts explosively by igniting.
• Yellow fireworks are made with sodium compounds: sodium nitrate, sodium chloride, and cryolite.
• At room temperature, sodium can be cut easily with a dull knife.
• Its color is silvery white.
• It does not occur in nature freely. Rather, pure sodium is processed from sodium chloride in a factory.
• The crust of the Earth is made up of 2.6% sodium.
• Sodium is less dense than water so it floats on water.
• It is the sixth most abundant element and the most abundant alkali metal.
• Some of the minerals where sodium exists are: amphibole, cryolite, halite, sodalite, soda niter, and zeolite.
• Halite, or sodium chloride salt, is the most abundant sodium mineral.
• One compound of sodium called sodium carbonate, or soda, was known to ancient man as it is the compound most readily found in nature.
• Sodium is essential for good health in our bodies because it conducts electricity and is necessary for proper nerve function. It also maintains the fluid balance in the body.
• Egyptians made glass as early as 1370 BC by heating lime and soda, or calcium oxide and sodium carbonate. When the mixture cools, it forms hard, transparent glass.