Overview
Sodium is a soft, highly reactive metal that forms stable ionic compounds such as sodium chloride.
Properties
It reacts vigorously with water, has low ionization energy and forms strong ionic bonds in salts.
Occurrence and Uses
Abundant in seawater and minerals, sodium is used in chemical synthesis, metallurgy and as table salt for nutrition.
Isotopes and Safety
Stable Na 23 predominates; metallic sodium is pyrophoric in air and reacts violently with water, requiring inert storage.