sodium what type it is metal non metal metalloid or noble gases
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: Sodium is a metal.
Explanation:
Sodium belongs to the alkali metal group on the periodic table and is represented by the chemical symbol Na. It is positioned in Group 1 and Period 3, which indicates its classification as a metal. Alkali metals are known for their high reactivity, especially with water, and sodium is no exception.
As a metal, sodium exhibits several characteristic properties. It is soft, meaning it can be easily cut with a knife, and it has a shiny, metallic luster when freshly cut. Sodium is also a good conductor of heat and electricity due to the presence of free-moving electrons in its atomic structure. This conductivity is a hallmark of metallic elements.
In chemical reactions, sodium tends to lose one electron to form a positively charged ion (Na⁺). This behavior aligns with the typical chemical properties of metals, which often form cations during reactions. For instance, when sodium reacts with water, it forms sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and hydrogen gas (H₂), a vigorous reaction that demonstrates its metallic reactivity.
Unlike nonmetals, sodium does not accept electrons and does not form negative ions. It also does not possess the intermediate properties found in metalloids, such as partial conductivity or a mix of metallic and non-metallic traits. Additionally, sodium is not a noble gas; noble gases are found in Group 18, are chemically inert, and have full valence electron shells.
In summary, sodium is best classified as a metal due to its position in the periodic table, its physical and chemical properties, and its tendency to lose electrons and form cations during reactions.
