Na
Sodium is a highly reactive alkali metal essential for nerve function and found in common table salt.
Physical Properties
| Atomic Mass | 22.99 u |
| Density | 0.971 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 370.87 K |
| Boiling Point | 1156.0 K |
| Appearance | Silvery-white metallic |
| State at Room Temp | Solid |
Chemical Properties
| Electronegativity | 0.93 (Pauling) |
| 1st Ionization Energy | 495.8 kJ/mol |
| Electron Affinity | 52.8 kJ/mol |
| Oxidation States | -1, +1 |
Atomic Properties
| Electron Configuration | [Ne] 3s1 |
| Atomic Radius | 186.0 pm |
| Covalent Radius | 166.0 pm |
| Van der Waals Radius | 227.0 pm |
Discovery
| Discovered By | Humphry Davy |
| Discovery Year | 1807 |
| Location | London, England |
| Named After | English 'soda'; symbol Na from Latin 'natrium' |
About Sodium
Sodium is a soft, silvery-white, highly reactive metal. It is the sixth most abundant element in Earth's crust. Sodium ions are essential for nerve signal transmission and muscle contraction. It was first isolated by Humphry Davy through electrolysis of sodium hydroxide.
Uses & Applications
Table salt (NaCl), street lighting, soap manufacturing, de-icing roads, baking soda, and as a coolant in nuclear reactors.
Fun Fact
Sodium reacts so violently with water that it can explode, yet the sodium ion is absolutely essential for human life.
Isotopes
| Mass Number | Abundance | Half-Life | Stable |
| 23 | 1.0% | - | Yes |
Electron Configuration
[Ne] 3s1