Sodium is a chemical element with the symbol Na and atomic number 11. It is a soft, silvery-white metal that is highly reactive. Sodium is commonly found in nature as part of compounds, such as sodium chloride (table salt) and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda).
Because of its reactivity, Sodium is never found in its pure form in nature. Instead, it must be extracted from compounds in order to be used. Sodium is an important element in many different applications, including in the production of soap and glass, as well as in the operation of many types of batteries.
It is also an essential nutrient for the human body, as it helps to regulate the balance of fluids in the body and to transmit nerve impulses.
| Property | Value |
| Atomic Number | 11 |
| Symbol | Na |
| Element Name | Sodium |
| Atomic Mass | 22.9897 g/mol |
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Sodium Facts for Kids
- Salt, baking soda, and detergent contain Sodium
- Sodium is a soft, silvery metal that reacts explosively with water.
- A teaspoon of table salt contains about 2,300 milligrams of Sodium.
- The human body needs Sodium to maintain fluid balance, muscle function, and nerve function.
- You can find Sodium in many foods, such as cheese, processed meats, canned soups, and bread.
- Eating too much Sodium can lead to high blood pressure, which can be bad for your health.
Where Sodium is Found
Sodium is found in many different types of rocks and minerals, including feldspar, sodalite, and nepheline. It is also found in large quantities in the form of sodium chloride, or common table salt, which is found in underground deposits or dissolved in seawater. Sodium is also found in small amounts in many foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and meats.
Sodium is not found in its pure form in nature, as it is highly reactive and quickly combines with other elements to form compounds. In order to be used, Sodium must be extracted from these compounds through a process known as electrolysis.
This involves passing an electric current through a solution of sodium chloride, which breaks the compound down into its constituent elements, Sodium and chlorine. The Sodium is then collected and used in various applications.
Characteristics and Properties
Sodium is a soft metal that can easily be cut with a knife. It has a silvery-white color, and when it is heated, it produces a yellow flame. It also has the surprising ability to float on water!
It is also an important component in many everyday products. It is used to make soap, glass, and detergents. It’s also used to make sodium hydroxide, a strong base that is used in many cleaning products.
Sodium is also an essential element for human health. It helps to regulate our blood pressure and helps with muscle and nerve function. It’s also important for maintaining the balance of electrolytes in our bodies.
So, as you can see, Sodium is an important element in our lives, and it has many unique characteristics and properties. It’s a soft metal that can easily be cut with a knife and produces a yellow flame when heated. It also floats on water and is an important component of many everyday products. And lastly, it’s an essential element for human health.
Where is Sodium found on Earth?
Sodium is found in small amounts in the Earth’s crust, and it is also found in many different types of rocks and minerals. It is typically found in the form of compounds, such as sodium chloride (common table salt) and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda).
Some of the main areas where Sodium is found on Earth include:
Salt flats and lakes
It’s found in large deposits in certain areas of the world, such as the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah and the Dead Sea in the Middle East. These areas are known for their high concentrations of Sodium, which is often extracted and used in various applications.
Seawater
Also found in large quantities in seawater, which contains about 2.6% sodium by weight. This Sodium is typically not extracted, but it is used in a variety of ways, such as in the production of chlorine and in the desalination of seawater.
Underground deposits
You’ll find it in underground deposits, such as in the form of sodium chloride. These deposits are often mined, and the Sodium is extracted through the process of electrolysis.
How is Sodium used today?
It has many important uses in modern society. Some of the most common uses of Sodium include:
Baking
Sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda, is commonly used as a leavening agent in baking. When it is combined with an acidic ingredient, such as vinegar or lemon juice, it produces carbon dioxide gas, which helps to lighten and aerate baked goods.
Cooking
It’s used in cooking, both as a flavor enhancer and as a preservative. Sodium chloride, or table salt, is commonly added to food to improve its flavor, and it is also used to preserve certain foods, such as bacon and deli meats.
Cleaning
You can use it in many cleaning products, such as laundry detergent and dish soap. It is able to dissolve grease and other substances, making it an effective cleaning agent.
Water treatment
Did you know it is used in the treatment of water, both to remove impurities and to adjust the pH of the water. Sodium hydroxide, also known as lye, is commonly used to remove unwanted substances from water, while sodium carbonate is used to raise the pH of the water to make it less acidic.
Manufacturing
Also used in the manufacturing of many different products, such as glass, soap, paper, and textiles. It is an important component of many industrial processes, and it is used in a variety of other applications as well.
How was Sodium discovered?
Sodium was first discovered by British chemist Sir Humphry Davy in 1807. Davy was conducting experiments on the electrolysis of molten compounds, and he found that when he passed an electric current through a solution of sodium hydroxide (also known as lye), it produced a new metal.
Davy named this metal “sodium,” after the Latin word “natrium,” which means “soda,” as sodium hydroxide is also known as soda.
His discovery of Sodium was an important milestone in the study of chemistry, as it was the first time that a new metal had been isolated through the process of electrolysis. Davy’s work on Sodium helped to lay the foundation for many of the advances in chemistry that followed, and he is considered one of the pioneers of modern chemistry.
