Sodium is both an electrolyte and mineral. It helps keep the water and electrolyte balance of the body. This is the amount of fluid that is inside and outside the body. Sodium is also important in hw nerves and muscles work.
The most common compound of sodium is sodium chloride. This basically salt that is added to food and used to de-ice roads. Sodium vapor is used in streetlights and produces a brilliant yellow light.
Sodium belongs to the alkali metals. Sodium metal can float on water. At room temperature sodium metal is soft enough that a person is able to cut it with a butter knife. Sodium is an abundant element and is found in the sun and many stars. It also doesn’t react well when mixed with water.
