- Sodium was always a common element in nature, though it was mostly seen in compounds. In 1807, Sir Humphrey Davy was able to separate pure sodium and see it as an isolated element for the first time. Through the course of history, sodium chloride (common salt) was a precious commodity that has been used in trade and religious ceremonies among Greek, Egyptian and Arab cultures. Presently, sodium is important for a number of reasons and is bought in bulk for culinary purposes.
- When talking about elements, different types are referred to as isotopes, each having a different atomic mass and therefore varying features. Sodium has thirteen of the isotopes, and only one of them is naturally stable--23NA. 22NA and 24NA are special isotopes that have been created by cosmic rays that give scientists unique insights into geological occurrences. When a person is exposed to nuclear radiation, the stable 23NA in their blood converts to 24NA, which can be measured in order to see how much radioactive material has affected the person.
- When handling pure sodium, caution needs to be taken because of the high instability of the element. Keep it away from water, because when it comes in contact with the liquid, an exothermic reaction takes place. Small pieces of sodium will bounce across the surface of water until they disintegrate, and larger pieces will explode. The reaction also creates hydrogen gas, which is highly flammable, and sodium hydroxide that will irritate the skin.
- Sodium at room temperature has a silvery white color and is very soft to the touch. So soft, in fact, that it can be cut with a knife. Sodium compounds are generally harder. It is fairly dense for an element of its atomic mass, being denser than potassium, which has a larger mass. It is an unstable molecule that is composed of a proton/neutron core and an electron cloud that contains eleven electrons.
- Various sodium isotopes can be used to measure nuclear radiation and to study natural aspects of the Earth's geology. What's even more significant is the sodium compound known as sodium chloride. This is common table salt and one of the most important spices in the culinary arts. It is a stable spice in most kitchens and used to not only to flavor food, but also to add to water in order to make it denser and thus better for cooking vegetables and other foodstuffs.
