The General Knowledge Show: Sodium Profile
Published by Part of the General Knowledge series on elements.
This is a basic factfile on Sodium.
Name of Element: Sodium
Symbol: Na
Atomic Number: 11
Relative Atomic Mass: 23
Electron Configuration: 2.8.1
Boiling Point: 883 Degrees Celsius = 1621 Degrees F
Melting Point: 97.72 Degrees Celsius = 207.9 Degrees F
Group: 1 à Alkali metal
Period: 3
State at room temperature: Solid
Properties: Categorised as metal, but has low melting and boiling points. It also has a low temperature and can be cut with a knife at room temperature. Conducts heat reasonably well.
Sodium reacts exothermically with water to produce Sodium Hydroxide and Hydrogen. When cut the metal is shiny and silver in colour. However, because of its high reactivity it tarnishes quickly as it reacts with the oxygen in the air.
Can be extracted from its compounds using electrolysis.
Uses: Manufacturing organic compounds
Remove impurities
Separates Potassium and Zirconium from its compounds.
Makes artificial rubber
Descale metals
Dangers:Must be kept in an inert atmosphere. Highly reactive.
Examples of Compounds: Sodium Chloride,
Uses of Compounds:
Sodium Chloride: Table Salt/ De-icing roads after snowfall or icy weather.
Preservation of dairy foods
Production of thyroid hormones.
Sodium carbonate: Washing Soda
Sodium bicarbonate: Baking Soda
Sodium Hydroxide: Caustic Soda
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On January 17, 2011 at 2:42 pm
Love your article.
This info among others would have been great use to me in Chemistry when I started out!
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On January 17, 2011 at 5:23 pm
Very good article
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