Sodium

Alkali metal essential for biological functions.

Sodium (Na) is a soft, silvery-white alkali metal. It's highly reactive and readily oxidizes in air, forming a white crust of sodium oxide. Essential for biological functions, it plays a crucial role in nerve and muscle function as an electrolyte.

Pronunciation

/ˈsoʊdiəm/

Etymology

Sodium is derived from the Latin word 'natrium,' referring to a sodium-rich mineral found near the River Na.

Explain Like I’m 5

Sodium is a silvery-white metal that's super important for our bodies to work properly, like helping nerves send messages and keeping fluids balanced.

Fun Facts

Sodium is an alkali metal
It's essential for plant growth
Sodium chloride (table salt) is a common compound

FAQ

What is sodium? It's a chemical element
Why is it important? It helps regulate fluid balance and nerve function
Where is it found? In salt and many foods

Hypernyms — Broader Categories

Alkali metal

Indexes

alkali metal chemical element

Nickel
Nitrate
Potassium
Salt

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