11 Na Sodium
Alkali metal, mass: 22.990 u, 1 stable isotope (23), abundance rank (earth/space): 6/14Click image to magnify. 0.5 grams sodium with a white hydroxide (NaOH) crust under paraffin oil. Original size in cm: 1 x 1.5
Sodium is a very abundant element, that exists on earth everywhere in compounds, most notably in sea water. Sodium chloride, NaCl, is table salt. Sodium is essential to all animals, but to only a few plants. Elemental sodium is a silvery white, very soft and light metal, which reacts fast and fiercely with many substances (e.g. water), but not with dry air.

Sodium glows in a very specific yellow. A common application for this are sodium vapor lamps, which are often used as street lights, like the one shown here. Those spend relatively little energy, give a good contrast and are more compatible for nocturnal insects.
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Page last changed on December 28. 2010
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