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Definition of the Sodium Element
A soft, light, extremely malleable silver-white metallic
element that reacts explosively with water, is naturally abundant
in combined forms, especially in common salt, and is used in the
production of a wide variety of industrially important compounds.
Origin / Meaning of the name Sodium
Sodium, referred to as soda
by the English, was isolated in 1807 by Sir Humphrey Davy through
the electrolysis of caustic soda. The symbol of the element is Na
which comes for the Latin name for a common sodium compound called
natrium (from the Greek 'nítron' a natural salt).
Classification of the Sodium Element
Sodium is classified
as an "Alkali Metal" and located in Group 1 elements of the
Periodic Table. An Element classified as an Alkali Metal is a very
reactive metal that does not occur freely in nature. Alkali metals
are soft, malleable, ductile, and are good conductors of heat and
electricity.
Facts about the History of the Sodium
Element
Sodium was isolated in 1807
by Sir Humphrey Davy through the electrolysis of caustic soda.
Occurrence the Sodium Element
Sodium makes up about 2.6%
of the Earth's crust
Fourth most abundant element
Relatively abundant in stars
Associated Uses of Sodium
Medicine
Agriculture
Manufacture of organic compounds
To purify molten metals
Sodium carbonate soap cleaners
Sodium hydroxide soap cleaners
Sodium bicarbonate
Sodium chloride
Sodium hypochlorite
Sodium nitrate
Naproxen sodium
Sodium silicate
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