Sodium’s Latin name, ‘natrium’, derives from the Greek ‘nítron’ (a name for sodium carbonate). Its original source is likely to be the Arabic work ‘natrun’. A number of modern languages still call the element natrium
instead of
sodium, and it’s this name that its chemical symbol, Na, comes from.
Is natrium a sodium?
From natrium,
a synonym for sodium
. Sodium is the major positive ion (cation) in fluid outside of cells. The chemical notation for sodium is Na
+
. When combined with chloride (Cl), the resulting substance is table salt (NaCl).
What is the difference between sodium and natrium?
| Sodium | Symbol “Na”: from New Latin natrium, coined from German Natron, ‘natron’ | Main isotopes of sodium |
|---|
What is sodium normally called?
The most important and familiar sodium compound is
sodium chloride
, or common salt, NaCl.
What is natrium used for?
Sodium is used
as a heat exchanger in some nuclear reactors
, and as a reagent in the chemicals industry. But sodium salts have more uses than the metal itself. The most common compound of sodium is sodium chloride (common salt). It is added to food and used to de-ice roads in winter.
Is Natrium good for health?
Despite its continued vilification,
sodium is a necessary nutrient for good health
. It’s one of your body’s electrolytes, which are minerals that create electrically charged ions. A major source of sodium in most diets is added salt in the form of sodium chloride — which is 40% sodium and 60% chloride by weight ( 1 ).
Why is sodium bad for you?
Your body needs a small amount of sodium to work properly, but too much sodium can be bad for your health. Diets higher in sodium are associated with an
increased risk of developing high blood pressure
, which is a major cause of stroke and heart disease.
Why is sodium not Natrium?
Sodium’s Latin name, ‘natrium’, derives from the Greek ‘nítron’ (a name for sodium carbonate). Its original source is likely to be the Arabic work ‘natrun’. A number of modern languages still call the element natrium instead of sodium, and it’s this name that its chemical symbol, Na, comes from.
What is a person’s normal sodium level?
It helps maintain normal blood pressure, supports the work of your nerves and muscles, and regulates your body’s fluid balance. A normal blood sodium level is
between 135 and 145 milliequivalents per liter
(mEq/L). Hyponatremia occurs when the sodium in your blood falls below 135 mEq/L.
Is pure sodium toxic?
Sodium is essential to human health, but
too much sodium is poisonous
. Sodium poisoning can cause seizures, coma, and death.
Which organ is most affected by hyponatremia?
Hyponatremia is more likely in people living with certain diseases, like kidney failure, congestive heart failure, and diseases affecting the
lungs
, liver or brain. It often occurs with pain after surgery.
What happens if you don’t get enough sodium?
Salt loss (hyponatremia)
Hyponatremia is a condition that occurs when the sodium in your blood falls below the normal range of 135–145 mEq/L. In severe cases, low sodium levels in the body can lead to muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting and dizziness. Eventually, lack of salt can lead
to shock, coma and death
.
Why is sodium essential for the human body?
Sodium is both an electrolyte and mineral. It helps keep the water
(the amount of fluid inside and outside the body’s cells) and electrolyte balance of the body
. Sodium is also important in how nerves and muscles work. Most of the sodium in the body (about 85%) is found in blood and lymph fluid.
What happens if you eat pure sodium?
Eating too much salt can have a range of effects. In the short term, it may cause
bloating
, severe thirst, and a temporary rise in blood pressure. In severe cases, it may also lead to hypernatremia, which, if left untreated, can be fatal.
What does sodium smell like?
Sodium is an essential mineral in our diet. It is commonly found in the form of sodium chloride (salt). Salt
has no smell
and it dissolves easily in water and gives water a “salty” taste at levels greater than 180 milligrams per litre.
What makes sodium unique?
It’s a
soft metal
, reactive and with a low melting point, with a relative density of 0,97 at 20oC (68oF). From the commercial point of view, sodium is the most important of all the alkaline metals. Sodium reacts quickly with water, and also with snow and ice, to produce sodium hydroxide and hydrogen.
