Sodium (Na)
Sodium (Na, element 11) is an alkali metal in group 1, period 3. Atomic mass 22.99, electron configuration [Ne] 3s¹, uses and facts.
About Sodium
Sodium is an alkali metal with the symbol Na and atomic number 11. It is a solid at room temperature, and it sits in group 1, period 3 of the periodic table. Sodium was discovered in 1807 by Humphry Davy.
Sodium key facts
- Atomic number: 11
- Symbol: Na
- Atomic mass: 22.99 u
- Category: alkali metal
- Group: 1
- Period: 3
- State at room temperature: solid
- Electron configuration: [Ne] 3s¹
- Electronegativity (Pauling): 0.93
- Melting point: 370.94 K (97.79 °C)
- Boiling point: 1156 K (882.85 °C)
- Density: 0.968 g/cm³
- Common oxidation states: −1, +1
Electron configuration
The electron configuration of sodium is [Ne] 3s¹. The part in brackets is the noble gas core; the rest shows how the outer electrons fill their subshells. Sodium has 1 valence electron.
Uses of sodium
- Table salt
- Soap
- Street lighting
Did you know?
Sodium burns yellow, that's why street lamps often have a yellow glow.
Other elements in group 1 and neighbours
Frequently asked questions
What is the atomic number of sodium?
The atomic number of sodium is 11, which means every sodium atom has 11 protons.
What is the electron configuration of sodium?
The electron configuration of sodium is [Ne] 3s¹.
What group and period is sodium in?
Sodium is an alkali metal in group 1, period 3.
What state is sodium at room temperature?
Sodium is a solid at room temperature.
What is sodium used for?
Sodium is used for table salt, soap, street lighting.