The melting point of sodium metal is 97.8°C or 208 °F (370.9 °K), and the melting point of sodium chloride is 801 °C.
Sodium is a silvery-white metal that is highly reactive, and it is the sixth most abundant element in the Earth’s crust. Sodium is commonly found in nature as the mineral sodium chloride, more commonly known as salt.
The high reactivity of sodium makes it a useful element in a variety of industrial applications, including the production of sodium hydroxide (also known as caustic soda) and sodium carbonate (also known as soda ash), which are used in the manufacturing of soaps, detergents, and glass.
Sodium is also an essential component of many chemical reactions, as it plays a role in the regulation of fluid balance in the human body and is an important component of saltwater electrolytes.
The melting point of sodium is relatively low, making it relatively easy to melt in laboratory and industrial settings. This, combined with its high reactivity, means that sodium must be handled with care to avoid ignition or other hazardous reactions.
When sodium is melted, it forms a highly reactive liquid that can ignite on contact with air or water, so it is typically stored under a layer of oil or other non-reactive liquid to prevent contact with air or water.
