Sodium
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
|
Sodium is a chemical element, having the chemical symbol Na. Its atomic number (the number of protons) is 11. It has a standard atomic weight of 22.98977 g•mol −1, and is typically found as a solid in its elemental form.
Sodium is considered to be a member of the "alkali metal" class of element. At a pressure of 101.325 kPa, it has a boiling point of 883 °C, and a melting point of 97.8 °C. In solid form, its density is slightly less than that of water at 0.968 g/cc.
It is easily oxidized to the +1 oxidation state and forms many salts. Elevated sodium levels in humans may lead to high blood pressure and other complications. The pure metal reacts violently with water.