Sodium (Na) — Alkali metal. Atomic number 11.
Soft, silvery-white metal
- Atomic number: 11
- Symbol: Na
- Atomic mass: 22.990 u
- Category: Alkali metal
- State: Solid
- Melting point: 97.8 °C / 370.95 K
- Boiling point: 882.85 °C / 1156 K
- Density: 0.968 g/cm³ (20°C)
- Electron configuration: [Ne] 3s1
- Oxidation states: +1
- Electronegativity: 0.93
- Discovered by: Humphry Davy (1807)
Common uses: Chemical synthesis, Sodium vapor lamps, Coolants
Biological role: Essential electrolyte in nerve and muscle function.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sodium
What is the atomic number of sodium?
Sodium has an atomic number of 11, meaning each atom contains 11 protons in its nucleus.
What is the atomic mass of sodium?
The standard atomic weight of sodium is 22.990 u (unified atomic mass units).
What category does sodium belong to?
Sodium is classified as a alkali metal.
What is the state of sodium at room temperature?
Sodium is a solid at 20 °C (68 °F).
What is the melting point of sodium?
The melting point of sodium is 97.8 °C / 370.95 K.
What is the boiling point of sodium?
The boiling point of sodium is 882.85 °C / 1156 K.
What is the density of sodium?
The density of sodium is 0.968 g/cm³ (20°C).
What is the electronegativity of sodium?
Sodium has a Pauling electronegativity of 0.93.
What is the electron configuration of sodium?
The electron configuration of sodium is [Ne] 3s1.
What are the common oxidation states of sodium?
Sodium commonly exhibits the following oxidation states: +1.
When was sodium discovered?
Sodium was discovered in 1807 by Humphry Davy.
Is sodium radioactive?
Sodium is a stable element with no naturally occurring radioactive isotopes.
What is the biological role of sodium?
Essential electrolyte in nerve and muscle function.
What are the common uses of sodium?
Sodium is used for: Chemical synthesis; Sodium vapor lamps; Coolants.
