Sodium

Sodium is the chemical element in the periodic table that has the symbol Na (Natrium in Latin) and atomic number 11. Sodium is a soft, waxy, silvery reactive metal belonging to the alkali metals that is abundant in natural compounds (especially halite).

Applications

Sodium in its metallic form is an essential component in the making of esters and in the manufacture of organic compounds. This alkali metal is also a component of sodium chloride (NaCl) which is vital to life. Other uses:

Related Topics:
Ester - Organic - Sodium chloride - Life

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• In certain alloys to improve their structure.
• In soap (in combination with fatty acids).
• To descale (make its surface smooth) metal.
• To purify molten metals.
• In sodium vapor lamps, an efficient means of producing light from electricity.
• As a heat transfer fluid in some types of nuclear reactors.

NaCl, a compound of sodium ions and chloride ions, is an important heat transfer material.

Related Topics:
NaCl - Chloride - Heat transfer

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