Sodium - one of the alkali metals.Table of chemical elements showing it as an atom belonging to the third period, and the first group.
physical properties
This section will look at the characteristics of sodium in terms of physics.Let's start with the fact that in its pure form is a solid silver, which has a metallic luster and a low hardness.Sodium is so soft that it can be easily cut with a knife.The melting point of this material is quite low and is seventy-nine degrees Celsius.The atomic weight of sodium is also a little about it, we'll talk later.The density of the metal is equal to 0.97 g / cm3.
Chemical characterization Sodium
This element has a very high activity - it is able to react quickly and violently with many other substances.Also, a table of chemical elements to determine this amount as the molar mass - for sodium it is twenty-three.One mole - it is the amount of substance which contains 6.02 x 10 23 atoms degree (molecular if complex substance).Knowing the molar mass of an element, you can determine how much it will weigh a specific number of moles of veschetsva.For example, two moles of sodium weighs forty six grams.As mentioned above, the active metal - one of the most reactive, it refers to alkali, respectively, it can form an alkali oxide (strong base).
as forming oxides
All substances of this group, including in the case of sodium, can be obtained by combustion starting.Thus, reaction of the metal with oxygen, which leads to the formation of an oxide.For example, if you burn four moles of sodium per mole of oxygen spend and get two moles of the metal oxide.The formula of sodium oxide - Na2O.Reaction equation looks like this: 4Na + O2 = 2Na2O.If we add to the obtained powder with water formed alkali - NaOH.
Taking one mole of oxide and water, we get two moles of the base.That is the equation of this reaction: Na2O + H2O = 2NaOH.This material is also called caustic soda.This is due to its pronounced alkaline properties and high chemical aktivnotyu.As strong acids, caustic soda reacts with the salts inactive metals, organic compounds and so on. D. During interaction with the salt exchange reaction takes place - a new salt is formed and a new foundation.A solution of sodium hydroxide can easily destroy the fabric, paper, skin, nails, so it requires the observance of safety rules while working with him.Sodium hydroxide is applied in the chemical industry as a catalyst, as well as in everyday life as a means to eliminate the problems of clogged tubes.
Reactions with halogen
This simple substance composed of chemical elements which belong to the seventh group of the periodic system.In the list includes fluoro, iodo, chloro, bromo.Sodium able to react with all of them, forming such compounds as chloride / bromide / iodide / sodium fluoride.For carrying out the reaction need to take two moles of the metal, adding thereto one mole of fluoride.The result is sodium fluoride in an amount of two moles.This process can be written as an equation: Na + F2 = 2NaF.Sodium fluoride, which we have used in the production of anti-caries toothpaste and detergents for various surfaces.Similarly, when the addition of chlorine available sodium chloride (table salt), sodium iodide, which is used in the manufacture of metal halide lamps, sodium bromide, used as a medicament for nervousness, insomnia, hysteria and other nervous disorders.
with other simple substances
possible reaction of sodium and phosphorus, Sulphur (sulfur), carbon (carbon).Such chemical interaction can be carried out only in the case of a special arrangement in the form of heat.Thus, the addition reaction occurs.You can use it to receive such substances as sodium phosphide, sodium sulfide, sodium carbide.
As an example of attaching the metal atoms to the phosphorus atoms.If you take three moles of the metal and one mole of the second component, and then warm them, then we get one mole of sodium phosphide.This reaction can be expressed as the following equation: 3Na + P = Na3P.Furthermore, sodium can react with nitrogen and hydrogen.In the first case, a nitride of the metal in the second - hydride.As examples such equations of chemical reactions: 6Na + N2 = 2Na3N;2Na + H2 = 2NaH.For the first interaction is required electrical discharge, the second - a high temperature.
reactions with acids
In simple substances Chemical characterization Sodium ends.This metal is also reacted with all acids.As a result of such chemical interactions to produce salt and sodium hydrogen.For example, the reaction of the metal with hydrochloric acid formed kitchen salt and hydrogen is released.To express this reaction by using the reaction equation: Na + HCl = NaCl + H2.Such a chemical reaction called substitution reaction.With its holding may also be prepared salts such as phosphate, nitrate, nitrite, sulfate, sulfite, sodium carbonate.
Interaction with salts
Sodium reacts with salts of metals other than calcium and potassium (they have higher reactivity than the element under consideration).In this case, as in the previous, the substitution reaction occurs.The atoms of the metal atoms are in place more chemically weak metal.Thus, by mixing two moles of sodium and one mole of magnesium nitrate, sodium nitrate to obtain an amount of two moles, and pure magnesium - one mol.Write the equation of this reaction can be so: 2Na + Mg (NO3) 2 = 2NaNO3 + Mg.The same principle can be obtained and many other sodium salts.Also, this method can be obtained from metal salts thereof.
What happens if you add water to sodium
This is perhaps one of the most common substances on the planet.And with it the metals are also able to enter into chemical interaction.This forms already discussed above, sodium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide.
To conduct such a reaction will need to take two moles of sodium, add the water, too, in an amount of two moles, and as a result we obtain two moles per mole of hydroxide and hydrogen, which was isolated as a gas with a pungent odor.
Sodium and its effects on organisms
Having considered the metal from a chemical point of view, move on to what is the biological characteristic of sodium.He is one of the most important trace elements.First of all, it is one of the components of an animal cell.Here, it performs important functions: with potassium maintains membrane potential, involved in the formation and propagation of the nerve impulse between cells is necessary for the chemical element osmotic processes (which could be important for the functioning kidney cells).Furthermore, sodium responsible for fluid and electrolyte balance of the cell.Also, without a given chemical element can not transport blood glucose, so necessary for the functioning of the brain.Once the metal is involved in the process of reduction of muscles.
This trace element is needed not only to animals - sodium in the body plant also performs important functions: it participates in the process of photosynthesis, helping to transport carbohydrates and is essential for the passage of organic and inorganic substances through the membrane.
excess and deficiency of sodium
to higher content of the chemical elements in the body can cause excessive consumption of salt for a long time.Symptoms of excess sodium may be fever, swelling, increased nervous irritability, kidney malfunction.In the event of such symptoms should be removed from the diet of table salt and foods that a lot of the metal (the list is below), and then consult a doctor immediately.Reduced sodium in the body also leads to unpleasant symptoms and effects of the organs.Washes away the chemical element can at long reception of diuretic drugs or when used in the drink only purified (distilled) water, with sweating and dehydration.Symptoms of lack of sodium are thirst, dry skin and mucous membranes, nausea and vomiting, poor appetite, impaired consciousness and lethargy, tachycardia, complete cessation of kidney function.
Products, which are high in sodium
In order to avoid too high or too low content in the body of the considered chemical element, it is necessary to know what food it most.First of all, it is the above-mentioned table salt.She is forty percent of sodium.Also, it may be sea salt.Further, the metal contained in soybeans and soy sauce.A large amount of sodium occurs in seafood.This seaweed, most species of fish, shrimp, octopus, crab meat, caviar, crayfish and others. The sodium content in them due to the fact that these organisms live in the salty environment with a high concentration of salts of different metals that are important for the normal functioning of the body.
use of this metal, and some of its compounds
use of sodium in the industry is very versatile.First of all, the substance used in the chemical industry.Here it is necessary to produce substances such as hydroxide of the metal, its fluoride, sulfates and nitrates.In addition, it is used as a strong reducing agent - for the isolation of pure metals from their salts.There are special technical sodium for use in such applications.Its properties are fixed in GOST 3273-75.In connection with the above-mentioned strong reducing properties of sodium is widely used in metallurgy.
Also, this chemical element finds its application in famatsevticheskoy industry, where it is most often necessary to obtain its bromide, which is a major component of many sedatives and antidepressants.Furthermore, sodium can be used in the manufacture of HID lamps - these are bright yellow light sources.This chemical compound is sodium chlorate (NaClO3), destroys the young plants, so it is used for the removal of such a railway track to prevent the overgrowth of the latter.Sodium cyanide is widely used in the industry of getting gold.With his help getting the metal out of the rock.
How to get sodium
The most common method is the reaction of the metal carbonate with carbon.For this it is necessary to heat these two materials to a temperature of about one thousand degrees Celsius.As a result, this produces two chemical compounds such as sodium and chadny gas.The interaction of one mole of sodium carbonate with two moles of carbon to get two moles of the desired metal and three moles of carbon monoxide.The equation above reaction can be written as follows: NaCO3 + 2C = 2Na + 3SO.Similarly, the active chemical element can be obtained from its other compounds.
Qualitative reaction
presence of sodium + as well as any other cations or anions can be determined through a special chemical manipulations.Qualitative reaction on the sodium ion is burning - in the presence of its flame will be colored yellow.
where you can meet the reporting chemical element in nature
First, as has been said, it is a component of both animal and plant cells.Also, there is a high concentration in seawater.Furthermore, sodium is included in several minerals.This, for example, sylvinite, formula - NaCl • KCl, and carnallite, whose formula KCl • MgCl2 • 6H2O.The first one has a heterogeneous structure with alternating colored parts, it can meet the color orange, pink, blue, red.This mineral is completely soluble in water.Carnallite, depending on the location and formation of impurities can also have a variety of colors.It may be red, yellow, white, light blue and transparent.He has a dim luster, the light rays are refracted in it strongly.These two minerals are used as raw materials for the production of metals, which are included in their composition: sodium, potassium, magnesium.
Scientists believe that the metal, which we reviewed in this article, is one of the most common in nature as a mass fraction in the earth's crust is two and a half percent.
