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Sodium is a chemical element with the symbol Na and atomic number 11. It is a soft, silvery-white, highly reactive metal. Sodium belongs to the alkali metal group in the periodic table. It is the sixth most abundant element in the Earth's crust.

In its pure form, sodium reacts vigorously with water, producing hydrogen gas and sodium hydroxide, which is a corrosive alkali. Due to its high reactivity, elemental sodium is not found in nature. Instead, it is commonly found in compounds, such as sodium chloride (table salt), sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), and sodium carbonate (soda ash).

Sodium is an essential element for life. It plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance in the body, nerve impulse transmission, and muscle contraction. The concentration of sodium in the blood is carefully regulated by the kidneys.

Industrially, sodium is produced primarily through the electrolysis of molten sodium chloride. It is used in various applications, including the production of certain dyes, in heat transfer fluids for nuclear reactors, and in the manufacturing of some organic chemicals. Sodium is also a component of many alloys. Its bright yellow emission spectrum is responsible for the characteristic color of sodium-vapor lamps.