Interesting Facts about the Origin and Meaning of the element name Sodium

What are the origins of the word Sodium ?
Sodium, referred to as soda by the English, was isolated in 1807 by Sir Humphrey Davy through the electrolysis of caustic soda. The symbol of the element is Na which comes for the Latin name for a common sodium compound called natrium (from the Greek 'nítron' a natural salt).

Facts about the Classification of the Element Sodium
Sodium is classified as an "Alkali Metal" and located in Group 1 elements of the Periodic Table. An Element classified as an Alkali Metal is a very reactive metal that does not occur freely in nature. Alkali metals are soft, malleable, ductile, and are good conductors of heat and electricity.

Brief Facts about the Discovery and History of the Element Sodium
Sodium was isolated in 1807 by Sir Humphrey Davy through the electrolysis of caustic soda.

Occurrence of the element Sodium
Sodium makes up about 2.6% of the Earth's crust
Fourth most abundant element
Relatively abundant in stars

Common Uses of Sodium
Medicine
Agriculture
Manufacture of organic compounds
To purify molten metals
Sodium carbonate / hydroxide soap cleaners
Sodium bicarbonate / chloride / hypochlorite / nitrate / silicate

The Properties of the Element Sodium
Name of Element : Sodium
Symbol of Element : Na
Atomic Number of Sodium : 11
Atomic Mass: 22.98977 amu
Melting Point: 97.8 °C - 370.95 °K
Boiling Point: 552.9 °C - 826.05005 °K
Number of Protons/Electrons in Sodium : 11
Number of Neutrons in Sodium : 12
Crystal Structure: Cubic
Density @ 293 K: 0.971 g/cm3
Color of Sodium : Silver-white