Facts about the
Definition of the Element Sodium
The Element Sodium is defined as...
A soft, light, extremely malleable silver-white metallic element
that reacts explosively with water, is naturally abundant in
combined forms, especially in common salt, and is used in the
production of a wide variety of industrially important compounds.
Interesting Facts
about the Origin and Meaning of the element name Sodium
What are the origins of the word Sodium ?
Sodium, referred to as soda by the English, was isolated in 1807
by Sir Humphrey Davy through the electrolysis of caustic soda. The
symbol of the element is Na which comes for the Latin name for a
common sodium compound called natrium (from the Greek 'nítron' a
natural salt).
Facts about the
Classification of the Element Sodium
Sodium is classified as an "Alkali Metal" and located in Group 1
elements of the Periodic Table. An Element classified as an Alkali
Metal is a very reactive metal that does not occur freely in
nature. Alkali metals are soft, malleable, ductile, and are good
conductors of heat and electricity.
Brief Facts about the
Discovery and History of the Element Sodium
Sodium was isolated in 1807 by Sir Humphrey Davy through the
electrolysis of caustic soda.
Occurrence of the
element Sodium in
the Atmosphere
Sodium makes up about 2.6% of the Earth's crust
Fourth most abundant element
Relatively abundant in stars
Common Uses of Sodium
Medicine
Agriculture
Manufacture of organic compounds
To purify molten metals
Sodium carbonate / hydroxide soap cleaners
Sodium bicarbonate / chloride / hypochlorite / nitrate / silicate
The Properties of the Element Sodium
Name of Element : Sodium
Symbol of Element : Na
Atomic Number of Sodium : 11
Atomic Mass: 22.98977 amu
Melting Point: 97.8 °C - 370.95 °K
Boiling Point: 552.9 °C - 826.05005 °K
Number of Protons/Electrons in Sodium : 11
Number of Neutrons in Sodium : 12
Crystal Structure: Cubic
Density @ 293 K: 0.971 g/cm3
Color of Sodium : Silver-white
The element Sodium and the Periodic Table
Find out more facts about Sodium on the Periodic Table which
arranges every chemical element according to its atomic number, as
based on the periodic law, so that chemical elements with similar
properties are in the same column. Our Periodic Table is simple to
use - just click on the symbol for Sodium for additional facts and
info and for an instant comparison of the Atomic Weight, Melting
Point, Boiling Point and Mass - G/cc of Sodium with any other
element. An invaluable source for more interesting facts and
information about the Sodium element and as a Chemistry reference
guide.
Facts and Info about
the element Argon - IUPAC and the Modern Standardised Periodic Table
The Standardised Periodic Table in use today was agreed by the
International Union of Pure Applied Chemistry, IUPAC, in 1985
which includes the Sodium element. The famous Russian Scientist,
Dimitri Mendeleev, perceived the correct classification method of
"the periodic table" for the 65 elements which were known in his
time. Sodium was isolated in 1807 by Sir Humphrey Davy through the
electrolysis of caustic soda. The Standardised Periodic Table now recognises more periods
and elements than Dimitri Mendeleev knew in his day but still all
fitting into his concept of the "Periodic Table" in which
Sodium is
just one element that can be found.
