Sodium metal

• Sodium is a soft, silvery-white metal with a low melting point (98°C) and boiling point (883°C).
• It is the most abundant alkali metal in the Earth’s crust, and the sixth most abundant element overall.
• Sodium is highly reactive and reacts violently with water, releasing hydrogen gas and forming sodium hydroxide.
• It is also a good conductor of heat and electricity.
• Sodium metal is used in a variety of applications, including:
  • The production of sodium hydroxide, which is used in soap, detergents, and other products.
  • The production of sodium carbonate, which is used in glassmaking and other industries.
  • The production of sodium metal alloys, which are used in heat exchangers and other applications.
  • The production of sodium vapor lamps, which are used in streetlights and other applications.

Here are some of the physical characteristics of sodium metal:

• Color: Silvery-white
• Density: 0.97 g/cm3
• Melting point: 98°C
• Boiling point: 883°C
• Hardness: 0.5 on the Mohs scale
• Conductivity: Excellent conductor of heat and electricity

Sodium metal is a very reactive element and should be handled with care. It should not be stored in water or exposed to air. If it comes into contact with water, it will react violently and release hydrogen gas. Sodium metal should be stored in an inert atmosphere, such as argon or nitrogen.