Sodium

Sodium is a silvery white alkali metal. It is one of the alkali metals and is soft and very reactive. It is a lightweight metal, which can be made strong when mixed with small amounts of other metals. It was first isolated by Humphrey Davey in 1807.

Sodium is most useful when combined with other elements in compounds. Salt, and baking soda both contain sodium. It is also present in soap. Sodium is used to make many other materials including paper, glass, textiles and petrol.