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Define sodium in science
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GPT-4o mini
Sodium is a chemical element with the symbol **Na** and atomic number **11**. It is a soft, silvery-white, highly reactive metal that belongs to the alkali metals group in the periodic table. Sodium is characterized by its low density and high reactivity, particularly with water, forming sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.
In nature, sodium is typically found in compound forms, most commonly as sodium chloride (table salt). It plays essential roles in various biological processes, including nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and the regulation of fluids and electrolytes in the body.
Due to its reactivity, sodium is stored under oil or in an inert atmosphere to prevent it from reacting with moisture in the air. Sodium ions (Na⁺) are vital for cellular function and are a key component of many physiological systems.
In nature, sodium is typically found in compound forms, most commonly as sodium chloride (table salt). It plays essential roles in various biological processes, including nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and the regulation of fluids and electrolytes in the body.
Due to its reactivity, sodium is stored under oil or in an inert atmosphere to prevent it from reacting with moisture in the air. Sodium ions (Na⁺) are vital for cellular function and are a key component of many physiological systems.