
Is sodium metal or a non metal?
Answer
437.1k+ views
Hint:Before you address this issue, make sure you understand the definitions and properties of metals and non-metals. It will assist you in avoiding errors or confusions when answering this question
Complete step-by-step solution:
The element sodium is a metal. Metals are described as elements that easily lose electrons, are lustrous (reflective), malleable (can be formed into other shapes), and good heat and electricity conductors.
Since sodium belongs to group 1, it readily loses electrons.
It is malleable
It can conduct electricity well because it has a "sea" of delocalized electrons due to the 1 valence electron, as when a potential difference is applied, mobile charge carriers (electrons) pass from one end of the metal to the other.
The cations in sodium's metallic structure are similar to one another in a symmetrical geometric pattern. The ions' vibration is continuous as they keep their place in the lattice. When you heat a metal, certain ions 'collide' with other ions, causing them to vibrate as well. Heat is moved rapidly from one end to the other by passing energy along in this manner. Consequently , sodium is a good thermal conductor
It is lustrous
Therefore by definition sodium is a metal.
Note: In some nuclear reactors, sodium is used as a heat exchanger, and it is also used as a reagent in the chemical industry. Sodium salts, on the other hand, have more applications than the metal itself. Sodium chloride is the most common sodium compound (common salt). It's used to flavour food and to de-ice roads in the winter.
Complete step-by-step solution:
The element sodium is a metal. Metals are described as elements that easily lose electrons, are lustrous (reflective), malleable (can be formed into other shapes), and good heat and electricity conductors.
Since sodium belongs to group 1, it readily loses electrons.
It is malleable
It can conduct electricity well because it has a "sea" of delocalized electrons due to the 1 valence electron, as when a potential difference is applied, mobile charge carriers (electrons) pass from one end of the metal to the other.
The cations in sodium's metallic structure are similar to one another in a symmetrical geometric pattern. The ions' vibration is continuous as they keep their place in the lattice. When you heat a metal, certain ions 'collide' with other ions, causing them to vibrate as well. Heat is moved rapidly from one end to the other by passing energy along in this manner. Consequently , sodium is a good thermal conductor
It is lustrous
Therefore by definition sodium is a metal.
Note: In some nuclear reactors, sodium is used as a heat exchanger, and it is also used as a reagent in the chemical industry. Sodium salts, on the other hand, have more applications than the metal itself. Sodium chloride is the most common sodium compound (common salt). It's used to flavour food and to de-ice roads in the winter.
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