Sodium Element Cube

Sodium's atomic number is 11 and its symbol is Na. Sodium is a bright silvery alkali metal that is about as soft as cold butter. Sodium makes up 50% of table salt along with chlorine. Sodium is essential for all animals as well as some plants. It is consumed by animals in sodium compounds. Pure sodium metal is highly reactive. In the presence of water, sodium will instantly catch on fire and explode. When pure sodium is exposed to the oxygen in the air it quickly tarnishes and turns a light gray/brown color. If sodium is left in the presence of the air long enough it will bubble and turn into a goopy puddle. Performing a flame test for sodium produces a bright yellow flame. The sodium samples in our cube displays are contained within argon-filled ampules to prevent oxidization.