Its atomic number is 11 and it is composed of an atomic mass equal to 22.9898 units. This metal is silvery-white in color, but when exposed to air it takes on a grayish color, which is why it is stored in noble gases or paraffins. Its density is less than that of water.
Another of the main characteristics of sodium is that it can be cut with a knife, since it is a soft metal and also breaks at low temperatures. It generally reacts explosively on contact with water to form hydrogen gas or sodium hydroxide; as well as moisture when hands are exposed and moist air.
Sodium makes up 2.6% of the earth’s crust, making it the sixth most abundant element on earth. Minerals such as zeolite, natron and halite, better known as salt, are made up of this element in its natural conditions.
This metal was discovered in 1807 by a British chemist named Humpry Davy, but it was not until seven years later that Swedish chemist Jons Jakom made it known by its symbol Na. There are many foods in which sodium can be found, such as fish, eggs, meat, liver, nuts, legumes, vegetables, fruits, cheese, and of course common salt.
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Uses of Sodium
Among the various uses that are given to sodium, the one that is best known is that given by the food industry, since it is part of the molecular structure of common salt, as well as various products that are used to add flavor or flavor. seasoning to different foods.
When molten, it serves as a coolant in nuclear reactors, as it allows heat transfer due to its high level of conductivity.
Sodium is also used as an antioxidant by metallurgical companies and as a reducing agent to purify certain metals such as titanium. It is also used in the generation of anti-friction alloys.
Properties and characteristics of sodium
- It is impossible to find this alkali metal in its pure state because it contains a high level of reactivity.
- Sodium reacts with elements such as chlorine, silicon, nitrogen, oxygen, among others, to obtain the formation of minerals.
- In the ionic structure of the ocean and seawater, sodium is a fundamental element.
- Common salt or halite is the most abundant mineral of this element.
- Produces a yellowish flame when oxidized and ignites explosively spontaneously.
- Sodium makes up 80% of all elements found dissolved in the ocean.
- Worldwide, sodium production is dominated by the United States and France. However, the country where there is greater production of common salt is in China. It is also produced in India and Canada.
Sodium function
- It provides support to the muscles, allowing them to respond more easily to stimuli.
- The body fluids outside and inside the cells achieve a good balance thanks to sodium.
- It is essential that it be possible to transmit and generate nerve impulses.
Physical properties of sodium
- The melting point of sodium is 98°C and the boiling point is 883°C. It exhibits a solid state of aggregation.
- Being in the solid state at a temperature of 20°C, its density is 968 kg/m3.
- Sodium has good thermal and electrical conductivity, this is because it allows only one electro at its highest energy level.
- On the Mohs scale, sodium has a hardness of 1.2.
Chemical properties of sodium
- Sodium is a monovalent element.
- Sodium is made up of 11 electrons, 11 protons and 12 neutrons.
- The biological component that retains the volume of fluids outside cells such as blood is the Na+ cation.
- Sodium has the ability to generate violent explosions when reacting with aqueous solutions, such as sulfuric acid, hydrogen chloride, water, among others.
