Sodium is the second member of the alkali family, the group of elements that make up Group 1 of the periodic table. Sodium has an atomic number of 11, an atomic mass of 22.98977, and a chemical symbol of Na.

Properties

Sodium is a silvery white metal with a waxy appearance. It is soft enough to be cut with a knife. When first cut, the surface is bright and shiny, but it quickly becomes dull as sodium reacts with oxygen in the air to form sodium oxide (Na₂O). Sodium's melting point is 208.1°F (97.82°C), its boiling point is 1,618°F (881.4°C), and its density is 0.968 grams per cubic centimeter. Sodium is a good conductor of electricity.

Sodium is a very active element that combines with oxygen at room temperature and burns with a brilliant golden-yellow flame. It reacts violently with water to produce hydrogen gas, which may...