Sodium (Na): Fun Facts and Information About the Element

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Fun Facts about Sodium

What is the symbol? Na
What is the atomic number? 11
What is the atomic weight? 22.9897
What is the melting point in Celsius? 98
What is the boiling point in Celsius? 883
What is the density (g/cm3)? 0.97
What percent of the earths crust? 2.75
What year was it discovered? 1807
Who discovered the element? Sir Humphry Davy
What group is the element in? 1
What is the electron configuration? [Ne] 3s1
What is the ionization energy? 5.1391
What element category is it in? Alkali metals

Where is Sodium Found?

Sodium is present in fair abundance in the sun and stars. Sodium is the fourth most abundant element on earth, comprising about 2.6% of the earth’s crust; it is the most abundant of the alkali group of metals. It is also obtained commercially by the electrolysis of absolutely dry fused sodium chloride. This method is much cheaper than that of electrolyzing sodium hydroxide.

What is Sodium Used For?

Metallic sodium is vital in the manufacture of esters and in the preparation of organic compounds. The metal may be used to improve the structure of certain alloys, descale metal, and purify molten metals.

Resource by B.Sobey

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