Sodium (Na): Properties, Uses and Facts in 3D
Sodium is element 11 on the periodic table, an alkali metal. At room temperature it is a solid. Open it in the 3D Periodic Table to spin its tile, see its electron shells and read its story.
Explore in 3DSodium quick facts
| Atomic number | 11 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Na |
| Atomic mass | 22.99 |
| Category | Alkali Metal |
| Group and period | Group 1, period 3 |
| Block | s-block |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Electron configuration | [Ne] 3s¹ |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 1 |
| Discovered | 1807, Davy |
What is sodium used for?
- Table salt (NaCl) food seasoning
- Street lights (sodium vapour)
- Industrial chlorine production
Interesting facts about sodium
- Sodium reacts violently with water. Larger pieces can explode
- The human body contains about 100g of sodium. Essential for nerve signals
- Salt was once so valuable it was traded like money. "salary" comes from the Latin salarium, linked to sal (salt)
Sodium was discovered in 1807 by Davy in Britain.
Where sodium sits on the periodic table
Sodium is in group 1, period 3. Tap any element to open its page.
Other alkali metals
Sodium questions
What is the atomic number of sodium?
Sodium has atomic number 11, so every sodium atom has 11 protons in its nucleus. Its symbol is Na and its atomic mass is 22.99.
Is sodium a metal?
Sodium is a metal. On the periodic table it is grouped as an alkali metal, found in group 1, period 3.
What is the electron configuration of sodium?
The electron configuration of sodium is [Ne] 3s¹. Its electrons sit in 3 shells: 2, 8, 1.
What is sodium used for?
Sodium is used for table salt (nacl) food seasoning, street lights (sodium vapour) and industrial chlorine production.
Who discovered sodium?
Sodium was discovered in 1807 by Davy in Britain.
The 3D Periodic Table is made by Julian Neagu, a solo founder in London, as part of VisionVix Simulators. It is free to use in the browser on desktop and phone, with no sign-up.