Sodium
Sodium is a chemical element with the symbol Na (from Latin natrium) and atomic number 11. It is a soft, silvery-white, highly reactive metal. Sodium is an alkali metal, being in group 1 of the periodic table, because it has a single electron in its outer shell, which it readily donates, creating a positively charged ion—the Na+ cation. Its only stable isotope is 23Na.
Characteristics[edit]
Sodium at standard temperature and pressure is a soft metal that can be readily cut with a knife. Freshly exposed sodium has a bright, silvery luster that rapidly tarnishes, forming a white coating of sodium hydroxide and sodium carbonate.
Occurrence[edit]
Sodium is the sixth most abundant element in the Earth's crust and exists in numerous minerals such as feldspar, sodium chloride, and soda niter.
Applications[edit]
Sodium compounds are of immense commercial importance, being particularly central to industries producing glass, paper, soap, and textiles.
Biological role[edit]
Sodium ions are essential for nerve and muscle function and are involved in the regulation of fluids in the body. Sodium also plays a key role in heart function and metabolic signaling.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
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