naatriummetalli

Naatriummetalli, also known as sodium metal, is a chemical element with the symbol Na and atomic number 11. It is a soft, silvery-white, highly reactive metal. Sodium is an alkali metal, belonging to Group 1 of the periodic table, and is the sixth most abundant element in the Earth's crust. In its pure form, it is never found in nature due to its high reactivity; instead, it exists in compounds like sodium chloride (table salt).

Sodium metal is a solid at room temperature but has a low melting point, around 97.8 degrees Celsius. Its low density means it floats on water. Its reactivity is its most notable characteristic. When exposed to air, it quickly oxidizes, forming a dull coating. When placed in water, it reacts vigorously, producing hydrogen gas and sodium hydroxide. This reaction releases enough heat to ignite the hydrogen, often resulting in a small explosion or flame. Due to this extreme reactivity, particularly with water, sodium metal must be stored under an inert liquid like mineral oil or kerosene.

Industrially, sodium metal is produced through the electrolysis of molten sodium chloride in a Downs cell. Its applications are diverse. It is used in the production of dyes, photographic chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. Sodium is also employed as a heat transfer medium in some nuclear reactors and in the manufacture of certain alloys. In organic chemistry, it is used as a reducing agent. Despite its hazardous nature, sodium metal plays an important role in various industrial processes and scientific research.