Sodium

Sodium is an element found on the periodic table. It is a metal found in group one and period three. Its atomic number is 11 and it has a relative atomic mass of 22.99. The symbol for sodium on the periodic table is Na. In its ionic state it has a +2 charge and can form both ionic or covalent bonds ^[1] [2].

Sodium is the sixth most abundant element in the Earth's Crust, and has a melting point of 97.5^oC. It is one of the most commercially viable elements on Earth and has an array of applications. These include not only its commonly known use as table salt (NaCl) but also in the fabrication of organic compounds such as esters and as a component of soaps. 

References

1. ↑ Alberts, B., Johnson, A., Lewis, J., Kaff, M., Roberts, K. and Walter P. (2008) Molecular Biology of the Cell Fifth Edition. Abingdon: Garland Science.
2. ↑ Neuss,G.,(2007)Chemistry for the IB diploma Second Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press