CationSodium

Sodium, often referred to as the sodium cation or Na+, is a chemical species consisting of a sodium atom that has lost one electron. This loss results in a net positive charge, hence the term "cation." Sodium is an alkali metal, belonging to Group 1 of the periodic table, and its electron configuration is 1s²2s²2p⁶3s¹. When it loses its outermost electron, it achieves a stable electron configuration similar to that of neon, which is 1s²2s²2p⁶. This makes the singly ionized sodium atom particularly stable.

In aqueous solutions, sodium ions are ubiquitous and play a crucial role in biological systems. They are essential electrolytes, contributing to the maintenance of fluid balance, nerve impulse transmission, and muscle contraction. The concentration of sodium ions in bodily fluids is tightly regulated by the kidneys. Outside of biological contexts, sodium cations are found in numerous ionic compounds, such as sodium chloride (table salt), sodium bicarbonate, and sodium hydroxide. These compounds exhibit a wide range of properties and applications in various industries, including food, medicine, and manufacturing. The prevalence and essentiality of sodium ions underscore their significance in both chemistry and biology.