Na
Sodium
Atomic number: 11Mass: 22.99 uCategory: Alkali Metal
About Sodium
Sodium is a soft, silvery-white, highly reactive alkali metal. It is the sixth most abundant element in the Earth's crust. Sodium is essential in the human body for nerve function and maintaining fluid balance.
Properties
Period
3
Group
1
Block
S
Category
Alkali Metal
Electronegativity
0.93 (Pauling)
Ionization Energy
495.8 kJ/mol
Melting Point
371 K (98°C)
Boiling Point
1156 K (883°C)
Density
0.968 g/cm³
Oxidation States
+1
Electron Configuration
1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s¹
[Ne] 3s¹
Shell 1:2e⁻
Shell 2:8e⁻
Shell 3:1e⁻
Real-World Uses
Table salt (NaCl)
Street lighting
Soap making
Food preservation
Metal smelting
Fun Fact
Sodium explodes violently when dropped in water — the reaction produces hydrogen gas that ignites instantly!