Na

Definition

Na is the chemical symbol for the element sodium, which is a soft, silvery-white alkali metal that is highly reactive and essential for various physiological processes in the human body.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sodium (Na) is the 11th element on the periodic table and has an atomic number of 11.
2. Sodium is a highly reactive metal that must be stored in oil or an inert gas to prevent it from reacting with air or water.
3. The molar mass of sodium is 22.99 g/mol, which is used in calculating formula mass and the mole concept.
4. Sodium forms ionic bonds by losing its single valence electron to become a positively charged sodium ion (Na+).
5. Sodium plays a crucial role in redox reactions, as it is a reducing agent that can lose electrons to become oxidized.

Review Questions

• Explain the significance of the atomic number of sodium (Na) and how it relates to its atomic structure and symbolism.
  • The atomic number of sodium (Na) is 11, which represents the number of protons in the nucleus of a sodium atom. This atomic number is a fundamental property that determines the element's chemical identity and behavior. The atomic number is used to organize elements on the periodic table and provides information about the number of electrons in a neutral sodium atom, which is also 11. This atomic structure and the presence of a single valence electron in sodium are key to understanding its chemical reactivity and the formation of ionic bonds, as sodium readily loses this electron to achieve a stable electron configuration.
• Describe how the molar mass of sodium (Na) is used in the calculation of formula mass and the mole concept.
  • The molar mass of sodium (Na), which is 22.99 g/mol, is an essential parameter in the calculation of formula mass and the mole concept. Formula mass, also known as molecular weight, is the sum of the atomic masses of the elements in a chemical formula. The molar mass of sodium is used to determine the formula mass of sodium-containing compounds, which is crucial for stoichiometric calculations and understanding the quantitative relationships between reactants and products in chemical reactions. Additionally, the molar mass of sodium is used to convert between the number of moles, mass, and number of particles (atoms, molecules, or ions) of sodium, as the mole is the fundamental unit that relates the macroscopic and microscopic scales in chemistry.
• Analyze the role of sodium (Na) in ionic bonding and its significance in redox chemistry.
  • Sodium (Na) is a highly electropositive element, meaning it readily loses its single valence electron to form a positively charged sodium ion (Na+). This property allows sodium to participate in ionic bonding, where the sodium ion is attracted to the negatively charged ions of other elements, such as chloride (Cl-), to form ionic compounds like sodium chloride (NaCl). The formation of ionic bonds is a crucial aspect of chemistry, as it helps explain the stability and properties of many chemical compounds. Furthermore, the tendency of sodium to lose electrons makes it an important reducing agent in redox (reduction-oxidation) reactions, where it can donate electrons to other species, becoming oxidized in the process. This redox behavior of sodium is essential for understanding various chemical processes, including electrochemical cells, corrosion, and biological mechanisms involving electron transfer.

Related terms

Atomic Number:

The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, which is unique for each element and determines its chemical properties.

Mole:

A unit of measurement in chemistry that represents the amount of a substance containing the same number of particles (atoms, molecules, or ions) as there are atoms in 12 grams of carbon-12.

Ionic Bond: A type of chemical bond that results from the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions, typically formed between a metal and a nonmetal.